Turkey is planning to create a naval base in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus, Turkish media reported Dec. 3.

The reports note that the issue was discussed against the backdrop of tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Mediterranean.

The naval base is expected to be established in early 2019, the reports said.

Turkish President Erdogan noted that the presence of the Turkish armed forces in the territory is very important.

“Turkey does not intend to reduce its military contingent in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus,” Erdogan said.

He noted that the plan of the West to solve the problem of Cyprus has not justified itself.

“The EU has also attempted to apply double standards in relation to the Cyprus problem,” he said.

Turkey has military bases in Somalia and Qatar currently.