Cyprus and France to sign agreement on the presence of French forces

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced that a new Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Cyprus and France is scheduled for signature at the ministerial level in June. The agreement provides a legal and operational framework for the presence of French forces on Cypriot soil, specifically for humanitarian purposes, logistics, and training. This move follows a strategic partnership upgrade between the two nations established in December. The agreement is expected to facilitate synergies between French companies and the Cypriot defense industry within the framework of the SAFE initiative. While government sources emphasize the humanitarian and stability-focused nature of the arrangement, some reports note that the pact also permits broader operational support and transit facilities for French forces. Separately, in Athens, Greece and France have renewed their strategic partnership agreement focusing on defense, security, education, and nuclear technology. The Cypriot President highlighted that France remains the European Union member with the strongest cooperation with Cyprus across all sectors.