Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is set to sign an agreement in June allowing the presence of French forces on the island for humanitarian purposes, President Nikos Christodoulides said.
Agreement to be concluded at ministerial level
Christodoulides, speaking after a memorial service in Nicosia, said discussions with France have moved to a formal stage, with the agreement to be concluded at ministerial level. He said the arrangement will provide for the presence of French forces on Cypriot territory for humanitarian purposes and forms part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Link to strategic partnership with France
The president linked the development to a recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and to an upgraded strategic partnership signed between the two countries last December. He said France is the European Union member state with which Cyprus has its strongest cooperation at all levels, starting with defence and security.
Focus on practical collaboration
Christodoulides said the agreement reflects practical collaboration rather than symbolic engagement, and referred to France sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle when assistance had previously been requested.
European initiatives and defence sector cooperation
He said the agreement aligns with wider European initiatives, including the SAFE programme, under which Cyprus is set to utilise €1.2 billion in funding. He added that efforts are under way to develop cooperation between French companies and Cyprus’ emerging defence sector, with synergies being pursued to strengthen operational capacity and industrial development on the island.
What impact do you think the planned agreement could have on Cyprus-France cooperation?
