Turkey will increase its military presence in Cyprus and put all the necessary weapons in the occupied northern part of the island to protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said this at a meeting with students of Pamukkale University, Anadolu reports.

Turkish FM also stated that Ankara will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Turkish community of the island.

He said Turkey will continue defending its interests in Cyprus, as well as in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

He also criticized the U.S. authorities for lifting the arms embargo on the occupied part of Cyprus.

Cavusoglu shared details of his last conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "I suggested to Blinken to provide financial aid to the Greek Cypriots if they wish, but not to supply arms, asking openly: Who are you arming [Nicosia] against?" the Turkish minister said.

According to him, the response to the U.S. actions will be a build-up of Turkish military power in northern Cyprus.

Cavusoglu said Ankara is using all levers to support the occupied part of Cyprus. "We are strong both at the negotiating table and on the field."