Cyprus signs deal to allow Russian navy to use ports
Russian navy ships have previously used Cypriot ports
Cyprus has signed an agreement with Moscow to give Russian navy ships access to Cypriot ports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed the deal after talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
The deal with Cyprus comes as tensions with the West over the Ukrainian conflict continue.
President Putin said that other countries should not be concerned and that the port's main use would be for counter terrorism and anti piracy.
The island already hosts British military bases. Britain announced on Tuesday that it would be deploying troops to Ukraine as trainers.
Tensions remain high between Russia and other European countries but the Russian leader was not concerned that the deal could be misconstrued.
"Our friendly ties aren't aimed against anyone," President Putin said. "I don't think it should cause worries anywhere."
Russia has heavily invested in Cyprus and this deal formalises previously ad hoc use of Cypriot ports.
President Anastasiades also revealed that the two countries were discussing the possibility of Russia using an air base on Cyprus for humanitarian relief missions.
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