Cyprus and France prepare agreement on military presence on the island

Cyprus plans to sign an agreement with France in June providing for the presence of French forces on the island for humanitarian purposes. This was announced by President Nikos Christodoulides.

According to him, negotiations between the parties have moved into an official stage, and the document will be signed at the level of the respective ministers. The agreement will be part of a broader strategic partnership between Cyprus and France.

Christodoulides emphasized that this is about practical cooperation rather than formal arrangements. As an example, he cited Paris's recent support, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle following a request for assistance.

The initiative is directly linked to the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and the previously signed updated strategic partnership agreement. France, according to the Cypriot leader, remains the country's key partner in defense and security.

The treaty is also expected to promote cooperation in the defense industry and attract French companies to projects in Cyprus. Furthermore, the agreement aligns with European initiatives, including the SAFE program, under which the republic could receive funding amounting to 1.2 billion euros.

The President noted that discussions on strengthening cooperation continued at the recent European Council meeting in Nicosia, where prospects for new partnerships between the EU and countries in the region were considered.

Commenting on Turkey's possible reaction, Christodoulides stated that Cyprus had previously offered Ankara participation within the framework of its EU Council Presidency, but this proposal was not accepted.