Nicosia: France and Cyprus have solidified their military alliance by signing a status of forces agreement (SOFA), which establishes a legal framework for the French military's presence in Cyprus. This agreement, as reported by the Cyprus News Agency, aims to consolidate the defense ties between the two nations.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the agreement was signed during an informal EU defense ministers' meeting in Nicosia. It outlines the rights and obligations of military forces stationed on each other's territory and seeks to improve operational coordination between France and Cyprus.

Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas emphasized the significance of this upgraded cooperation, noting that it would provide Cyprus with greater strategic depth and enhance its role as a stabilizing force in the Eastern Mediterranean. Meanwhile, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin assured that France would offer "unwavering solidarity" to Cyprus in the face of any threats to its security and interests.

Officials have highlighted that this pact marks a departure from previous arrangements, which were primarily based on joint exercises, naval visits, and temporary deployments. The new agreement provides a more structured and legally binding framework for military cooperation between the two countries.