Cyprus Defence Minister visits Paris for high-level military talks

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas is traveling to Paris on Monday, November 2, 2026, to conduct official meetings with the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin. The visit, prompted by an official invitation, aims to reinforce bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security ties between the two nations.

In addition to the ministerial meeting, Palmas is scheduled to tour the EURONAVAL exhibition, a prominent international event focused on naval defence and maritime security technology. The visit follows the formal signing of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Nicosia on June 8, 2026, which established a legal framework for closer military cooperation. This ongoing collaboration is further reflected in recent multilateral efforts, including the EUNOMIA 7/2026 exercise conducted in October, which saw participation from Cyprus, France, Greece, and Italy in the Eastern Mediterranean.

France remains a key strategic partner for Cyprus, with a long-standing emphasis on joint naval operations, security coordination, and joint military exercises. The trip serves to further solidify these existing diplomatic and operational ties, ensuring continued regional stability through deepened partnerships.