Cyprus is strengthening its geopolitical role as in the context of the European effort to increase the flow of humanitarian aid in the Middle East, is preparing to begin construction of a new major naval base along the southern coast, the Cypriot defense minister announced on Wednesday.

In particular, Mr Minister of Defense of Cyprus said on Wednesday that plans are underway to build a large naval base on the southern coast of the eastern Mediterranean, capable of accommodating large ships from its countries European Union and other states for carrying out various missions, including humanitarian aid deliveries in the troubled Middle East region.

THE Vasilis Palmas stated that Cyprus’s newly enhanced geopolitical role as the closest member of the European Union to the Middle East justifies the creation of an infrastructure that can support policies concerning the region.

In recent months, Cyprus has been the point for the collection and delivery of the humanitarian aid donation to the war-torn Gaza. The aid is sent from the port of Larnaca to the Palestinian territory after a security check.

Palmas said the construction of the base would “decisively contribute” to the implementation of the policy in the region.

At the same time, he added that Greece is contributing technical know-how to the project, while the actual construction will be based on the expert study that will be completed in the coming days.

The naval base will be built on an existing naval facility approx 25 kilometers east of the coastal city of Limassol.