in-cyprus 13 October 2024 - by Constantinos Tsindas
The ‘unsinkable carrier’ is a legendary, albeit slightly on the cynical bend, American assessment of the island’s mostly (but not just distinctly) fatal geography, defining its proximity to the Middle East, currently in near all out regional war turmoil, as an ever present geopolitical factor that lends strategic importance to Cyprus, not just as a humanitarian bridge of citizens assistance and evacuation, but one that can bring together diverging actors and make or reforge alliances. As much as allowed by realities.
Within such a setting, the Mari Naval Base seems to be getting a significant upgrade, according to well informed Filenews sources, as plans have been finalised and work is set to begin around October 2025, with expected completion in late 2027 or early 2028 at the latest.
The same sources tell Costas Venizelos ‘of a strategically important work that is now finally at the implementation course level’. The pre-study is set and the next process will be to further this initial design and gather technical data and specifications. The Defence Ministry in Nicosia defines this project as urgent and the process will be fast this time, with delays being a luxury here.
The initial cost is estimated at €205 million and the goal, as noted to Filenews, is to strengthen the Republic of Cyprus strategic regional importance, in the framework of its current role and obligations.
