Palmas: France SOFA Deal Does Not Include Permanent Troop Deployment

Palmas said the agreement establishes a legal framework for joint exercises, training activities, personnel exchanges and technical cooperation, rather than allowing an open-ended military presence.

Speaking to Politis, Palmas said cooperation with one of Europe’s strongest military forces strengthens the operational readiness of the Greek Cypriot National Guard, enhances training standards, and reinforces the Greek Cypriot side’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean. He added that all activities under the agreement will be carried out with full respect for sovereignty.

He stressed that the SOFA sets clear procedures and conditions for military personnel presence during agreed activities such as joint drills, training programs, technical assistance and exchanges, adding that it is “not about a permanent French military presence in Cyprus.”

Palmas described the agreement as a structured cooperation framework enabling the two countries to develop joint security and stability initiatives in line with their strategic interests.

He also said he will travel to Paris next week to attend the Eurosatory defence exhibition, where the Greek Cypriot defence industry will be represented. During the visit, he is expected to sign an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the exchange and protection of classified information, calling it an important step toward deeper strategic cooperation.

Palmas further noted that the procurement of the “Centauros” anti-drone system from Greece is being carried out under the SAFE programme, adding that Greek defence industry production has been activated to meet agreed standards and timelines.

He said the system will enhance the National Guard’s air defence and critical infrastructure protection capabilities and will be integrated with existing systems rather than replacing them.

Palmas concluded that under the EU SAFE programme, priority is being given to improving operational readiness, strengthening surveillance and early warning systems, and acquiring advanced technologies to address emerging threats, particularly unmanned systems.