President Nicos Anastasiades on Saturday expressed Cyprus’ will to further its cooperation with the UK in the fields of security and defence during a visit to the British Navy’s aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth, currently docked in Limassol.

In a tweet, the president said his visit “highlights our strong will to further advance our cooperation with the UK in the field of Security and Defence, and the great importance we attach in safeguarding peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Anastasiades was accompanied by British High Commissioner Stephen Lilly and the British bases commander Rob Thomson.

The president was given a tour of the vessel and was briefed about its capabilities. The Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to depart on Monday.