Nicosia: Cyprus and Serbia signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on Wednesday in Nicosia, enhancing the institutional framework for bilateral defence cooperation and facilitating joint activities in security and defence. The agreement was signed by Cyprus’ Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and his Serbian counterpart Bratislav Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Palmas stated that the two countries have developed a ‘substantial relationship founded on strategic trust, shared principles, and a common understanding of security challenges in the region.’ Discussions focused on expanding cooperation, particularly in training and armament programmes, with Cyprus reaffirming its commitment to deepening ties with Serbia.
Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic highlighted the SOFA’s significance, emphasizing that it facilitates future cooperation between the countries’ armed forces. He reiterated Serbia’s respect for Cyprus’ territorial integrity and expressed support for peaceful dialogue to address the situation on the island. Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic also invited Palmas to visit Serbia in 2026 to continue strengthening bilateral relations.
Palmas noted that this was their second meeting in under three months, highlighting the momentum in bilateral defence relations. He spoke about the historical ties and mutual understanding between the two nations, stating that the SOFA reflects the depth of their relationship. Discussions also covered security issues in Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, Serbia, and the Western Balkans.
Palmas briefed Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic on challenges from Turkey’s policies, stressing Cyprus’ commitment to peaceful dispute resolution based on international law. He reiterated Cyprus’ non-recognition of Kosovo’s independence and its readiness to support initiatives promoting regional stability and dialogue.
Regarding Serbia’s EU accession process, Palmas assured support for the institutional dialogue between the EU and Serbia, especially as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency. He emphasized the importance of strengthening European security and contributing to policy formulation that addresses modern challenges.
Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ stance on Kosovo and its support of Serbia’s sovereignty. He thanked Cyprus for backing Serbia’s EU ambitions and for participating in major Serbian defence and trade exhibitions. He emphasized the long-standing friendship and shared values between the two nations, expressing confidence in expanded cooperation across all sectors. Ga€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ic also wished Cyprus success during its EU Council Presidency, underscoring Serbia’s commitment to international peacekeeping and building trust and respect globally.