Federation Officers Meet Europe Minister to Discuss Drone Attack at RAF Akrotiri

The President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Christos Karaolis, and Vice President, Michalis Ellinas, met the Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty MP, on Tuesday 10 March to discuss the recent drone attack on the British Base at RAF Akrotiri on 1 March.

At the outset of the meeting, the Federation’s Officers strongly condemned the attack. They conveyed the concerns felt across the Cypriot diaspora in the UK about the security of the island, as well as the need for continued closer cooperation between the Governments of the UK and Cyprus. The Officers went on to say that, in particular, the residents of the Base Areas were understandably alarmed by the incident and sought reassurances from the Base Authorities are taking all necessary precautions and are in close cooperation with the Government of Cyprus.

The Minister reaffirmed that the safety and security of all Cypriots is a top priority for the UK Government. He confirmed that anti-missile and counter-drone capabilities had been strengthened both prior to and following the attack, including the recently announced deployment of HMS Dragon and additional Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The Minister also said that steps are being taken to improve real-time information sharing with residents in the Base Areas.

The Officers stressed to the Minister the importance of further strengthening and deepening security coordination between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus. They emphasised that stability in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region is of critical importance and that close UK–Cyprus cooperation remains essential both to prevent and deter and future threats.

The Minister reiterated that enhanced defence and security collaboration forms a central pillar of the UK–Cyprus strategic dialogue. He confirmed that engagement is ongoing at the highest levels, including the recent visit of the Defence Secretary, and stressed the shared commitment of both governments to safeguarding Cyprus and maintaining regional stability, including de-escalating the current conflict in the region.

The Minister further said that at the moment the Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Cyprus. However, he urged British nationals to continue following Foreign Office advice for travel to countries in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, the Federation’s President, Christos Karaolis, said:

“We strongly condemn the recent attack on RAF Akrotiri. We are grateful to the Europe Minister, Stephen Doughty MP, for his close engagement and for a constructive and productive discussion. We discussed the recent developments in Cyprus, raised the concerns of our community and exchanged views. We stressed the need and importance of close cooperation between the Governments of the UK and Cyprus. We were reassured by the Minister that the UK government is taking all necessary measures to safeguard Cyprus and all the people on the island. The Federation will remain in close contact with the UK Government and Minister Doughty to ensure that the concerns of our community continue to be heard.”