Nicosia, Cyprus – In a significant move to bolster humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East, Cyprus announced plans to construct a new major naval base along its southern coast, Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas revealed on Wednesday.

The upcoming facility will enable Cyprus to accommodate larger naval vessels capable of transporting a greater volume of humanitarian aid.

Palmas highlighted the strategic importance of Cyprus, noting its proximity as the closest EU member state to the Middle East, which makes it an ideal location for the project. “This base will contribute decisively to the execution of the EU’s foreign policy agenda in the region,” Palmas stated.

The new base is expected to enhance the efficiency of aid delivery, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last October, the Cypriot port of Larnaca has played a crucial role as a primary security and staging point for aid deliveries.

The construction of the new base aims to further streamline these operations, providing a more robust and expansive infrastructure for international aid efforts.

Palmas also announced that Greece would play a supportive role in the project, offering advisory and technical assistance to the Cypriot team.

This collaboration underscores the EU’s commitment to a coordinated approach in addressing the humanitarian needs in the Middle East.

Details of the construction plan are expected to be disclosed in the coming days, following the release of a government-commissioned expert study.

This study will outline the specifics of the base’s design and construction, providing further insight into how the project will be implemented.

The announcement of the new naval base comes at a time when humanitarian aid efforts are facing unprecedented challenges.

The conflict in Gaza has created a dire need for increased aid and support, and the new base is anticipated to play a critical role in meeting these needs.

By enhancing Cyprus’s capacity to host larger vessels and facilitate more efficient aid delivery, the project represents a significant step forward in the EU’s broader strategy to address the crisis in the Middle East.

The Cypriot government has expressed optimism about the impact of the new base, with Palmas emphasizing its strategic importance in reinforcing the EU’s humanitarian efforts.

“This project is not just about building infrastructure; it’s about reinforcing our commitment to supporting those in need and ensuring that aid reaches the people who need it most,” he added.

As the construction of the new naval base progresses, attention will remain focused on the evolving humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

The EU’s initiative, supported by Cyprus’s strategic location and infrastructure, aims to provide a crucial boost to ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.

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