The UK Minister for Europe David Lidington noted the cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus on security issues as well as the unanimous EU response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine in his answer to a Commons question on agreements signed between Cyprus and Russia.
Conservative MP Nicholas Soames asked the Foreign Office “what discussions it has had with the government of Cyprus on the country’s proposed renewal of its military cooperation agreement with Russia.”
In his written answer Mr Lidington stated that the UK government was aware of reports of recent agreements, including military agreements between the Republic of Cyprus and Russia.
“It is our understanding that the military aspects represent a continuation of existing arrangements. The United Kingdom remains fully engaged on a range of security and military issues with the Republic of Cyprus,” noted the Foreign Office Minister.
He then referred to the “united message” sent by the EU to Russia that its actions in Ukraine “are in flagrant breach of international law”. He added that “all member states, including Cyprus, unanimously agreed to impose measures against Russia in response to these actions.”