Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and France signed a Status of Forces Agreement on Monday, establishing the legal framework governing the presence and activities of French military personnel in Cyprus amid growing security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. The agreement was signed during an informal meeting of EU defence ministers hosted by Cyprus.
Agreement signed in Nicosia
The agreement was signed in Nicosia by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting.
Palmas said the agreement marked the culmination of an already close and expanding defence relationship built on mutual trust and shared strategic interests.
Framework for defence and security cooperation
He said the agreement established a modern and comprehensive framework for cooperation in defence and security, regulating the rights and obligations of the forces of both countries when present on each other’s territory.
The signing follows the strategic partnership agreement concluded by Presidents Nikos Christodoulides and Emmanuel Macron in Paris last December, which both sides described as a milestone in the deepening relationship between the two countries.
Regional and institutional cooperation
Palmas said Cyprus and France cooperate closely on regional security issues, defence procurement and military partnerships across all sectors of defence and security.
He also highlighted the participation of Cyprus and France alongside Greece and Italy in a quadrilateral cooperation mechanism.
According to Palmas, cooperation between the two countries is reflected operationally through the regular presence and facilitation of French military forces in the region, and institutionally through joint initiatives within the European Union and other international frameworks.
Reference to regional crisis
The minister referred to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and thanked France for its rapid response during the regional crisis earlier this year when a drone struck Akrotiri.
Palmas said he had again thanked Vautrin for France’s immediate response and the deployment of forces within the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus during the recent crisis in the region.
Cyprus’ regional role
He said stronger ties with France reinforced Cyprus’ role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and reflected the Republic’s commitment to partnerships based on common values, respect for international law and the promotion of regional security.
