A Cypriot Australian businessman preparing to relocate permanently to Cyprus says recent security developments in the region have not deterred his plans, even as tensions in the Middle East raise concerns among diaspora communities.
Sydney-based entrepreneur Peter Kitas is set to move to Cyprus within the next month, where he intends to establish a new advisory and investment platform aimed at connecting opportunities between Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
The relocation, he says, represents both a professional expansion and a personal reconnection with his heritage.
“The move to Cyprus is a strategic next chapter for me,” Mr Kitas told The Greek Herald. “I’m relocating to establish and grow Onisilos Partners as a Cyprus-based advisory and investment platform, using Cyprus as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.”
“Personally, it’s about reconnecting with heritage while building something long-term. I see life there as ambitious but balanced – building a respected business, expanding into property and advisory, and laying foundations for future legacy projects.”
His comments come days after reports of a drone incident near the British military base at RAF Akrotiri, one of two UK sovereign base areas on the island. The incident has drawn attention to Cyprus’ proximity to regional conflicts and the potential risks associated with military infrastructure on the island.
The bases, including RAF Akrotiri, have long been strategically significant for the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, serving as a key hub for operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
While authorities have emphasised that everyday life in Cyprus remains unaffected, the episode has prompted discussion among Cypriots and members of the diaspora about the island’s position at the crossroads of geopolitical tensions.
For Mr Kitas, however, the development has not altered his broader assessment of Cyprus.
“When incidents involve places like RAF Akrotiri, you pay attention,” he said. “But Cyprus has historically been stable despite its geographic position.”
“I assess risk calmly. At this stage, the broader environment hasn’t changed my view of Cyprus as a safe and strategic place to live and build.”
Despite concerns raised by family and friends following the incident, Mr Kitas said his relocation plans remain unchanged.
“So far, there’s been no practical impact on my plans. Travel, timelines, and business setup remain unchanged,” he said.
“I always plan with contingencies – insurance, reserves, and flexibility. Family and friends naturally ask questions, but on the ground, life in Cyprus continues as normal.”
Cyprus has increasingly attracted international entrepreneurs and investors in recent years, thanks to its strategic location between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as its EU membership and favourable business environment.
At the same time, regional security developments – particularly the escalation of tensions in the Middle East – have placed renewed attention on the island’s geopolitical role and its longstanding hosting of foreign military facilities.
For Mr Kitas, however, the long-term opportunities still outweigh the uncertainties.
“I feel steady and resolved,” he said. “Entrepreneurship always involves calculated risk.”
“My decision is shaped by long-term opportunity, stability, and strategic positioning. Unless there’s sustained escalation affecting civilian life, my move remains on track.
“I’m moving forward informed – not reactive.”
His experience reflects a broader balancing act faced by many members of the diaspora with ties to the region: weighing personal and economic opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean against an increasingly complex global security landscape.
