Pafos Live 16 December 2024
The presence of French military forces with permanent activity in the Eastern Mediterranean would not have been possible without Cyprus, a strong friend and partner of the French armed forces, French Ambassador to Cyprus Clelia Chevrier Kolatschko told CNA, adding that "Cyprus is a key strategic partner for us in the field of defense."
In an interview with CNA, and asked if Cyprus could become a member of NATO, the French Ambassador said that the North Atlantic Alliance maintains an "open door" policy, reminding that her country is a founding member of both NATO and the EU. "I would like to stress that we already appreciate Cyprus' participation in EU security and defence policies. We believe that a stronger, more operational European defence makes a positive contribution to global and transatlantic security and is complementary and interoperable with NATO. Right now, France is ready to move forward together with Cyprus within the strategic autonomy agenda and strategic compass developed during the French EU Presidency in 2022.
He added that "we are conducting exercises with your forces, we are working on the interoperability of armaments and we are also working closely with the army of Cyprus on EU defence policies. So there is already a very close relationship."
"We also appreciate Cyprus' participation in Operation Shields, launched by the EU in the Red Sea. It is a good example of what the EU can do. To strengthen its presence in the region, France stands ready to help Cyprus enhance the interoperability of its armed forces, which, among other advantages, enables secure information sharing and assists in our efforts to fight terrorism and manage regional conflicts," he said.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, she underlined France's stance in favour of a just, lasting and viable solution, "based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, where decisions will be taken on the basis of the principle of political equality, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions", adding that "other formulas outside these agreed parameters are unrealistic" and will deprive Turkish Cypriots of the advantages enjoyed by the citizens of a member state EU.
Asked about the bilateral relations between Cyprus and France in various fields such as politics, defence, energy, economy and education and the prospects for their further strengthening, the French Ambassador said that these relations are very full and dynamic, adding that the desire is to take them to the next stage.
