Cyprus and France to sign a defence cooperation agreement in June

Cyprus and France are scheduled to sign a formal Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in June to enhance bilateral military and strategic cooperation. President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that the agreement establishes a framework for the presence of French forces on Cypriot territory for humanitarian and operational purposes. The deal builds upon a strategic partnership signed in December and focuses on four key pillars: structural military coordination, regional interoperability, defence technology, and industrial collaboration. Provisions within the agreement address legal jurisdiction, tax exemptions, customs procedures, and access to military facilities for logistical support. The arrangement is described as reciprocal, covering both French personnel in Cyprus and Cypriot personnel training in France. Additionally, the agreement aims to facilitate cooperation between French companies and the emerging Cypriot defence sector. The initiative is linked to broader European efforts, including the utilization of 1.2 billion euros in funding under the SAFE programme. Government officials emphasize that the agreement serves as a practical, rather than symbolic, enhancement of regional stability.