Cyprus and France strengthen defense cooperation

The Parliament of Cyprus has initiated the ratification of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with France, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral operational defense cooperation. During a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs on November 3, 2026, members emphasized the geopolitical importance of this strategic partnership for security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Following this legislative development, the Cypriot Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, held an official meeting in Paris on November 4, 2026, with the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin. The discussions focused on specific aspects of the bilateral defense partnership and addressed the latest security developments across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The agreement reflects Cyprus’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic ties with European and Western allies amid a period of heightened regional challenges.