The media reported on the signing by France and Cyprus of an agreement on the deployment of troops on June 8.

France and Cyprus will sign a status of forces agreement allowing Paris to deploy troops on the island. This was reported on June 7 by the newspaper Politico, citing two senior representatives of the Government of Cyprus.

"France and Cyprus will sign on Monday (June 8 — Ed.) an agreement on the status of forces..."[It] will be signed by French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas in Nicosia, as both will participate in an informal meeting of the European Council on Foreign Affairs," the publication says.

It clarifies that the document will establish rules for the stay of French troops "exclusively for humanitarian purposes," as well as approve regulations for training and operations on the island with respect for the sovereignty of the country. The agreement also provides for joint military exercises, personnel exchange, defense coordination, and cooperation in technology and education.

Strategic Autonomy Game: Ninth country joins France's Nuclear Initiative

Paris strives to become a guarantor of security for Europe

Der Spiegel newspaper reported on May 30 that France and Germany had begun consultations on a nuclear deterrent program initiated by Paris. The first round of negotiations took place on May 27 in Paris. Among the participants was the German Chancellor's Adviser on Foreign Policy and security, Gunther Zautter. The next meeting is scheduled for July 4, it will be held in Germany.