Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a deal that gives Moscow’s military access to Mediterranean ports.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Mr. Putin signed an agreement on Wednesday.
The Russian president said the deal primarily addresses the need to combat terrorism and piracy. Russian ships previously had access to Cypriot ports, but this is the first time such an agreement has been codified into law through an official accord, Reuters reported.
“We signed a number of documents regarding our military cooperation. For example regarding the entrance of our ships to Cypriot ports. … I don’t think this should worry anyone,” Mr. Putin said, Reuters reported.
Russian agency TASS said Wednesday that the deal opened the door for Moscow to possibly use Cypriot airports during a humanitarian crisis.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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