Nicosia: Cyprus and France are strengthening their cooperation in the field of Search and Rescue through the joint exercise "CYFRA 04/26," which took place on Wednesday in a maritime area within the responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus. The exercise involved a French warship with its organic helicopter, aerial and maritime assets of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the special "MEDEVAC" team of the Ambulance Service.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) said in a press release that the activity is part of the implementation of the defence cooperation programme between the two countries and took place in a maritime area within the responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus, under the coordination of JRCC.
The exercise involved a French warship with its organic helicopter, a vessel from the Port and Maritime Police, a search and rescue helicopter from the National Guard General Staff, a helicopter from the Police Air Operations Unit, as well as the Special Team 'MEDEVAC' of the Ambulance Service, the press release added.
It also noted that "the purpose of the exercise was the further development of the existing cooperation with the French Armed Forces on search and rescue issues, as well as the training of crews in operational procedures for dealing with S and R incidents."
"This particular activity is a continuation of the excellent cooperation between Cyprus and France on Search and Rescue matters," the press release concluded.