Cyprus working with Paris to expand naval base – minister

French military experts are assisting Cypriot authorities in upgrading a naval port on the east Mediterranean island nation’s southern coast to allow it to receive large warships, Cyprus’ defense minister said on Thursday.

Savvas Angelides added that he has signed a statement of intent with his French counterpart, affirming bilateral defense cooperation that allows authorities to proceed with the next phase of planning for the upgrade at Evangelos Florakis Naval Base.

The aim of the upgrade is to enable Cyprus to effectively contribute to regional security through the EU’s joint military investment and project development program known as PESCO, AP quoted Angelides as saying.