French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin stressed that France attaches great importance to maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Vautrin made the remarks during talks with Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in Paris, on the sidelines of Palmas’ visit to France to attend the Euronaval naval and defense industries exhibition, held from November 3 to 6 north of the French capital.
A statement issued by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs on Wednesday said the talks focused on bilateral defense co-operation.
The two ministers highlighted the positive momentum in operational exchanges between the armed forces of both countries and efforts to strengthen co-operation in military capabilities.
The statement noted that the two sides share similar strategic assessments of common security challenges, particularly the preference for European defense industries in support of Europe’s strategic autonomy.
They also exchanged views on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, especially the situation in Lebanon.
Vautrin said French armed forces are regularly deployed in the region and are working to enhance interoperability with the Cypriot armed forces through joint exercises and military activities.
The talks also addressed the importance of directing European efforts to increase defense spending toward strengthening Europe’s defense industrial and technological base.
Vautrin expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ confidence in French defense industries under contracts allocated to the country through the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, which include the procurement of French military equipment and capabilities, including Scorpion vehicles.
The meeting comes amid continued defense coordination between Paris and Nicosia. Vautrin previously visited the Cypriot capital on June 8, 2026, where she signed an agreement with her Cypriot counterpart concerning the status of the armed forces.
