He was speaking on Friday on board “Salamis” a Greek Navy frigate at the port of Limassol and commenting on the continued provocations on the part of Turkey. A Turkish vessel “Barbaros” which conducts surveys on hydrocarbons was sighted in Cyprus’ territorial waters earlier on this week.

The upgraded geopolitical and geostrategic role of both Cyprus and Greece will be the best way to ensure and to defend, if need be, our sovereign rights, Photiou noted.

We are focused on going ahead with our plans and that is the best kind of proof that we are not giving up our sovereign rights, he pointed out.

He assured at the same time that Cyprus will implement the ‘last iota’ of decisions taken as regards developing its natural resources and energy planning.

Photiou, who was briefed by the Captain and the personnel on board the “Salamis”, said that it is obvious that Greece’s role in the South Eastern Mediterranean is upgraded.

At crucial point in time of instability and daily challenges, at a time when others are trying to cause trouble in the region, there are countries including Greece and Cyprus which seek stability, security and peace, he added.

Earlier on the Cypriot Minister took part in the official celebrations to mark the name day of Saint Nicholas, protector saint of the navy, at the naval base Evangelos Florakis, in Mari, located near Limassol. The event was attended by head of the National Guard Stylianos Nasis, political, military and ecclesiastic officials, foreign dignitaries as well as relatives of the victims from the Mari tragedy.

During the events one minute silence was observed in honour of those who perished as a result of the deadly blast back in 2011.

Thirteen people were killed and dozens were injured when a massive explosion occurred at the naval base, Evangelos Florakis, in the early hours of July 11 2011. The blast badly damaged the island’s main power plant, at Vasiliko, resulting in regular power cuts. The blast occurred in containers, full of munitions, which Cyprus had confiscated from “Monchegorsk“, a vessel sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009. Nicosia was acting in accordance with UN sanctions against Teheran.