Cyprus, France boost defence cooperation

Cyprus and France have signed a defence cooperation agreement, described by both sides as a ‘routine pact’ that arose from the need to upgrade cooperation following Cyprus’ provision of ground and other services to French and multinational forces during the Lebanese crisis last year.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris by French Minister of Defence Michele Alliot-Marie and Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas, is part of an effort to strengthen bilateral relations within the framework of a structured dialogue that was announced during President Tassos Papadopoulos’ visit to France in November 2005.

“France and Cyprus have always had excellent political relations, they have and share a common vision on international issues and now as EU partners have shown that with their approach they can contribute to peace in the Middle East,” the Cypriot minister said, according to an official statement.

“The crisis in Lebanon gave both countries the chance to cooperate in the military field with benefits not only for both countries but mainly for Middle East countries,” he said, adding, “I wish and hope that just as Cyprus proved to be a factor of stability in the Middle East region, the solution to the our problem and Cyprus’ reunification will prove that Cyprus can, reunited, with the cooperation of all partners such as France, help in peace and stability in the region.”

The French Minister said the agreement “provides for greater exchange in training issues, on the level of joint manoeuvres, when analysing the geo-strategic situation. It is a continuation of the existing relations. We are faced with common threats, such as terrorism, which concerns all European countries and which we might handle.”

She added that this agreement will help France have sea protection, protection against illegal immigration, which is “’one of our most important problems, as well as protection against illegal trade.”

“When our ships and planes had to evacuate French nationals, Europeans and Lebanese, we greatly appreciated the fact that the Republic of Cyprus immediately made available the necessary infrastructure. This situation was one in which we saw military cooperation between the two countries increase. This speeded up the signing of the agreement. It is an ordinary agreement which we have with many other countries but did not have with Cyprus,” she added.