Cyprus is set to sign an agreement in June allowing the presence of French forces on the island for humanitarian purposes, President Nikos Christodoulides said Sunday.

Speaking after a memorial service in Nicosia, the president confirmed that discussions with France have moved to a formal stage, with the agreement to be concluded at ministerial level.

The arrangement “will provide for the presence of French forces on Cypriot territory for humanitarian purposes,” he said, adding that it forms part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Christodoulides linked the development to the recent visit of the French president Emmanuel Macron and to an upgraded strategic partnership signed between the two countries last December.

“France is the EU member state with which we have the strongest cooperation at all levels, starting with defence and security,” he said.

He stressed that the agreement reflects practical collaboration rather than symbolic engagement.

“What we sign are not just texts to take a picture or to give a communication dimension. They are substantive texts, and they are proven in practice to have an effect,” he said, pointing to France’s response in sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle when assistance had previously been requested.

The president said the agreement also aligns with wider European initiatives, including the SAFE programme, under which Cyprus is set to utilise €1.2 billion in funding.

He added that efforts are under way to develop cooperation between French companies and Cyprus’ emerging defence sector.

Within this framework, he said, synergies are being pursued to strengthen both operational capacity and industrial development on the island.

Christodoulides also referred to a recent informal European Council meeting held in Nicosia, describing it as an opportunity for regional leaders and European Union officials to explore closer cooperation.

“It was not only an exchange of views, but how we can jointly upgrade our relationship,” he said, adding that concrete steps are expected to follow, including possible new partnerships between the European Union and countries in the region.

Responding to questions on reactions from Turkey, the president said Cyprus had previously expressed willingness to include Ankara in the framework of its EU council presidency, but that the offer had not been accepted.

He added that recent responses suggest Turkey may not have anticipated the level of engagement shown by regional states towards Cyprus’ initiatives.