Nicosia: An agreement providing for the presence of French forces in Cyprus for humanitarian purposes will be signed at ministerial level in June, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. He made this announcement in statements to the media after attending the annual memorial service for Vassos Lyssarides, founder and former President of EDEK, at the Church of Agioi Omologites in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides was asked whether an agreement had been reached during the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cyprus regarding the deployment of French troops on the island. The President confirmed that indeed, an agreement will be signed at ministerial level in June, which will provide for the presence of French forces in Cyprus for humanitarian purposes. He emphasized that the agreement is within the framework of enhanced cooperation with the French government, recalling that Cyprus and France signed an upgraded strategic partnership last December.
President Christodoulides highlighted that France is the EU member state with which Cyprus has the strongest cooperation at all levels, particularly in the fields of defense and security. He also noted that within the SAFE framework, the government is working to create synergies among French companies and the promising Cypriot defense industry, utilizing the £1.2 billion allocated to the Republic of Cyprus.
The President stressed that the agreements being signed are not merely for publicity but are meaningful texts with practical results. He cited France's immediate response when assistance was requested and the continued strengthening of relations as evidence of the agreement's substance.
Referring to the recent informal European Council meeting in Nicosia, President Christodoulides described the meeting as significant, noting that for the first time, regional leaders engaged with EU leaders to explore ways to enhance their relationship. He mentioned that specific decisions were taken, and implementation has already begun, including the launch of discussions on an EU strategic partnership with Lebanon.
Addressing reports of Turkey's annoyance with the informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, the President acknowledged seeing comments in the international press, particularly about the involvement of neighbouring state leaders. He mentioned that Cyprus had expressed readiness for Turkey to be invited as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, but faced a negative approach from Turkey. The President suggested that Turkey possibly did not anticipate such a positive response from regional states to Cyprus's invitation.