Incidents involving Greek and French defense ministers during flights to Cyprus

During their transit to Cyprus for an informal EU Defense Ministers' meeting, the defense ministers of Greece, France, and the Netherlands experienced radio interference from the Tymbou airport in Northern Cyprus. Additionally, two Turkish F-16 jets reportedly monitored the state aircraft from a distance, without approaching them, before the ministers landed safely in Larnaca. The Greek government, represented by Victoras Papadopoulos, confirmed the incident and announced that Minister Nikos Dendias would raise the issue with EU officials. Separate reports indicate that, on the same day, the Turkish Air Force committed nine violations of Greek airspace in the Aegean, involving armed F-16s and other aircraft. These violations led to at least one engagement with a Greek standby aircraft. The European ministers were visiting Cyprus to discuss regional security, Ukraine, and the EU's defensive strategy. Meanwhile, France and Cyprus are expected to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) regarding the presence of French forces on the island.