Cyprus 'open for business' minister says, arguing 'misinformation' over war can impact its economy

Описание: (6 Mar 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Limassol, Cyprus - 6 March 2026
1. Various of Limassol port
2. Wide of officials visiting port facilities
3. Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus Minister of Transport, left, listening to Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World NGO
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus Minister of Transport:
"Considering what has been happening in the last few days, we must say that port of Limassol is not within the British bases. Geographically it's at a different location, so it should not be confused. It should not part of any understanding that there is any connection. So, we really want to highlight that any misinformation, has a direct result, a serious, negative impact on economic activity in Cyprus."
5. Various of Limassol port
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus Minister of Transport:
"Cyprus is ready for everything. We are very happy that we have been supported by our European Union member states, partners and allies. They are supporting us in all this situation and we will keep on participating through our humanitarian role in the area."
7. Various of Limassol port
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus Minister of Transport:
"Cyprus is open for business. The ports are open, the airports are open. We never shut down our airspace. We are not shutting down our ports and this will be the case the next day."
9. Various of Limassol port
STORYLINE:
Cyprus Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, said the location of Limassol port should not be confused with that of British bases on the island, as he toured the port facilities on Friday.

"Considering what has been happening in the last few days, we must say that port of Limassol is not within the British bases," Vafeades told reporters, adding the port remained fully operational.

"We really want to highlight that any misinformation has a direct result, a serious, negative impact on economic activity in Cyprus."

Vafeades was speaking days after a Shahed drone damaged a hangar at a RAF Akrotiri, a British air base on Cyprus’ southern coastline.

Cyprus says the drone was launched from Beirut.

RAF Akrotiri, with its massive runway, is a prime component of the U.K.'s complex of bases in Cyprus, including Episkopi Garrison in the west and Dhekelia Garrison in the east.

Its breadth measures some of 99 square miles (255 square kilometers).

Limassol port had been used so far to refuel Greek Navy vessels, dispatched in the area and is scheduled to receive more if needed from France, Netherlands and Spain expected in the next few days.

"Cyprus is open for business," Vafeades said.

"The ports are open, the airports are open. We never shut down our airspace. We are not shutting down our ports and this will be the case the next day," he added.

AP video shot by: Lefteris Pitarakis

===========================================================

Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected].

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...