In a strategic pact signed in September 2022, the Republic of Cyprus has granted French forces operational rights on Cypriot soil, aimed at facilitating evacuations from the Middle East.
This agreement is part of a broader bilateral cooperation that includes defence matters since 2017.
According to a detailed explanatory report associated with a legislative proposal currently under review by the House of Representatives, this accord enables the temporary stationing of French personnel and assets, including military hardware and evacuation resources, on Cypriot territory.
This initiative anticipates potential evacuations not only of French nationals but also of citizens from other countries caught in conflict zones across the Middle East.
The list of countries from which evacuations could be coordinated includes key geopolitical hotspots such as Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Under the terms of the agreement, French forces are afforded considerable operational leeway within Cyprus for the duration of evacuation missions.
This includes the deployment of personnel, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels, with arms and ammunition to remain onboard transport vehicles unless specifically authorised otherwise by Cypriot authorities, in compliance with national laws and regulations.
Furthermore, the accord encompasses provisions for the establishment and operation of communications infrastructure essential for the coordination of complex evacuation efforts. Both nations have also committed to the exchange and protection of classified information relevant to their cooperative endeavours.
Highlighting the humanitarian and strategic dimensions of the agreement, the explanatory report accompanying the legislative proposal clarifies its primary objective: to institutionalise Franco-Cypriot collaboration during evacuation operations from crisis-stricken areas of the Middle East, using Cyprus as a critical logistical hub.
In addition to operational support, Cyprus has pledged to provide necessary public infrastructure and services, including utilities and storage facilities for French military assets.
