Cyprus remains safe and open despite regional conflict, says minister

Finance minister Makis Keravnos, who currently serves as president of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), on Tuesday reassured the international community that life in Cyprus continues normally and safely, despite the island’s indirect involvement in the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Speaking upon his arrival at the ECOFIN council meeting, Keravnos delivered a message of stability and normality, stressing that Cyprus remains secure even though it lies in a region affected by the conflict involving Iran.

“Cyprus geographically is located in the wider region where there are currently some hostilities due to the war with Iran,” said Keravnos.

“We have taken certain precautionary measures,” he added.

“Life in Cyprus is proceeding normally and safely,” he continued. “The airspace is always open.”

The Cypriot Finance Minister further used his brief interaction with the media to express his “sincere thanks for the immediate reaction of the European Union regarding the protection of our citizens”.

“More specifically, I would like to thank Greece, France, Italy and Spain,” he said.

At the same time, the finance minister indicated that the economic implications of the ongoing conflict would be discussed during the ECOFIN meeting.

The issue had already been examined a day earlier during discussions at the Eurogroup meeting, although no formal decisions were taken at that stage.

Keravnos explained that European finance ministers would assess how the evolving situation could affect the broader economic outlook.

“The ministers will discuss today the situation in the international economy and in the European economy and how it is affected by all the negative developments,” Keravnos concluded.