British high commissioner Stephen Lillie celebrated the “huge milestone” in Cyprus-UK ties on Monday outlining the new deal for development in the British bases.
The British bases, comprising 254 square kilometers – three per cent of the island’s territory, will allow for the construction of houses, shops, schools, restaurants and light industrial facilities while third-country nationals will be able to live, operate and establish businesses in the bases.
Senior UK and bases officials spoke at the presidential palace on Monday morning, hailing opportunities which are to be opened up from May 16 through the 2014 deal agreed with Former British Prime Minister David Cameron.
“The implementation of the non-military development agreement is a huge milestone in our bilateral relationship and will allow development opportunities for thousands of Cypriots living in the bases,” Lillie said, adding that: “I take pride in the fact that we have worked together with our Cypriot friends to deliver a change that will have a real and positive impact on people’s prosperity.”
Also speaking at the presidential palace, commander of the British forces in Cyprus major general Rob Thomson reiterated that the development is subject to environmental and security concerns.
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https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/05/09/huge-milestone-marked-in-cyprus-uk-ties/