Cyprus and France have signed a new Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), establishing the legal framework for military personnel from both countries to operate on each other’s territory.
The agreement was signed in Nicosia by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin during an informal meeting of EU defence ministers. Officials said the deal builds on the strategic partnership agreed by President Nikos Christodoulides and President Emmanuel Macron in December 2025.
Key developments:
- The SOFA sets out the rights and obligations of French and Cypriot armed forces when deployed in each other’s countries.
- France described Cyprus as a key operational hub for military activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
- Around 30 French naval visits take place in Cyprus annually, with 21 recorded so far in 2026.
- Both countries highlighted expanding cooperation in naval, air, land and security operations.
Both ministers said the agreement would support closer defence cooperation and contribute to broader European security efforts amid ongoing regional instability.
ℹ️ Cyprus Mail
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