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The Greek Cypriot administration and France on Monday signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) establishing a legal framework for military cooperation and the deployment of French troops to southern Cyprus.
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides announced through his official social media accounts that the agreement had been signed and entered into force.
In his statement, Christodoulides said the implementation of the agreement contributes to the European Union's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy.
The SOFA was first discussed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to southern Cyprus on April 23 and was subsequently negotiated between the two sides.
Under the agreement, French military personnel may be deployed to southern Cyprus under specific conditions.
The deal establishes the legal basis for the presence and activities of French military forces on the island.
According to details released by the Greek Cypriot administration, the agreement provides France with access to military facilities and infrastructure in southern Cyprus.
It also creates a framework for the deployment of French military assets in support of operations and activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The agreement is expected to facilitate closer defense cooperation between France and the Greek Cypriot administration as regional security challenges continue to evolve.
The SOFA is also reported to include provisions covering military technology cooperation, joint exercises and strategic dialogue.
The agreement further institutionalizes defense coordination between Paris and the Greek Cypriot administration and expands existing military cooperation mechanisms between the two sides.
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