Armament move from Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus! 'Agreement with France is in parliament'

Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus continues its military cooperation initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the Greek media newspaper Politis, the draft law for the approval of the Defense Cooperation and Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed between the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus and France on June 8, 2026, was sent to the Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Committee of the Greek Parliament on October 22.

The agreement envisages cooperation between the two countries in the fields of military training, joint exercises, defense technologies, military equipment supply and logistics support.

REGULATIONS REGARDING FRENCH WARSHIPS AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT

Within the scope of the agreement, procedures for the use of military facilities, temporary deployment of military personnel, entry of warships into ports and use of airspace by military aircraft are regulated. Rules regarding the entry and exit of military personnel and equipment and the transportation of weapons and ammunition are also included in the agreement.

A WRITTEN AGREEMENT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS

According to the agreement, military personnel of one of the parties cannot participate in war or war-like operations, activities for the protection of public order or military missions within the scope of defense of national sovereignty in the territory of the other country without prior written agreement. The activities of military personnel and the movements of ships and aircraft will be subject to the legislation and necessary permits of the host country.

APPROVAL OF THE GREEK ASSEMBLY IS EXPECTED

The approval process of the agreement signed by the Greek Cypriot Minister of Defense Vasilis Palmas and the then French Minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin on June 8 continues in the parliament.