ATHENS

The Greek Cypriot administration announced plans to build a naval base with Greece's support in the area of Mari, local media reported on Wednesday.

During an interview with broadcaster SPOR FM, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said it was important to develop appropriate infrastructure to leverage the administration's elevated importance in light of the ongoing war in Gaza, according to the daily Kathimerini.

"To offer services when and if necessary to friendly countries, we need to demonstrate our geopolitical upgrade with practical results," he said.

Noting that Greece is currently providing technical assistance for the endeavor, he added that they were awaiting the results of a preliminary study to outline the process for constructing the base.

While the project is among the administration's priorities, it is a medium- to long-term project, Palmas remarked.