Cyprus defence minister visits Paris for bilateral talks and EURONAVAL exhibition

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas traveled to Paris on Monday, November 2, 2026, to meet with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans. The visit follows an official invitation aimed at strengthening the long-standing defence and security partnership between the two nations, which includes cooperation in naval operations, joint military exercises, and the protection of the Eastern Mediterranean region.

On Tuesday, November 3, Minister Palmas attended the EURONAVAL 2026 exhibition at the Paris-Nord Villepinte centre, scheduled to run until November 6. Highlighting the importance of maritime security, Palmas emphasized that Cyprus prioritizes the development of its naval defence capabilities to safeguard sovereign rights and energy interests. The visit also builds upon the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed by the two ministers in Nicosia on June 8, which provides a formal legal framework for their bilateral military cooperation, including participation in recent joint exercises such as EUNOMIA 7/2026.