France is expanding its military presence in Cyprus.
Modern.az reports that, according to Politico, on June 8, the defense ministers of France and Southern Cyprus will sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The document will provide French military personnel with access to the island's territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to sign this agreement during his visit to Cyprus in April. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the agreement “will ensure the presence of French forces on Cypriot territory for humanitarian purposes” and strengthen regional cooperation.
According to Politico, the agreement also covers military coordination, exchange of defense technologies, and joint training.
Reportedly, one of the main reasons for the rapprochement between the two countries was the Iranian drone attack on Cyprus in March.
“When Cyprus was attacked, Europe was attacked,” Macron said at the time.
France's aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” and its strike group have been operating in the region since May.
It should be recalled that the island of Cyprus has been divided into two parts since 1974. The Turkish community lives in the north of the island, and the Greek community lives in the south.
