Statement by the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Purported Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) announced to be signed in June 2026 between the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) and France

We are closely following the developments regarding the SOFA announced to be signed in June 2026 between the GCASC and France with great concern. According to public statements, the said agreement envisages, inter alia, the deployment of French military elements on the island of Cyprus; the enhancement of defence industrial cooperation between the Greek Cypriot side and France; the sharing of military technology; the conduct of joint military exercises; the intensification of high-level military dialogue; the provision of military training; and logistical support, including equipment and material for military facilities.

The said agreement, despite being presented under the guise of , in reality represents yet another attempt to change the delicate balance of power and security on the island and in the wider region. It is casting a shadow over the efforts for cooperation and meaningful dialogue conducive to durable stability. Such military arrangements framed as humanitarian, are in essence intended to strengthen the military capabilities of the Greek Cypriot side, disregard the inherent sovereign equal rights of the Turkish Cypriot people over the island, and generate conditions conducive to heightened tensions both between the two sides and at the regional level. The Greek Cypriot side has neither the competence nor the authority to conclude such agreements, and is not in a position to represent the Turkish Cypriot people or the island as a whole.

These initiatives, carried out in disregard of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, once again  confirms the indispensable role of the effective and de-facto guarantee of the Republic of Türkiye in safeguarding the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Furthermore, they undoubtedly reinforce the legitimacy of our determination to deepen defence cooperation with Türkiye in order to safeguard our security without compromise.

Such initiatives clearly demonstrate the intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot side and expose the insincerity of its rhetoric regarding a comprehensive settlement. The said agreement is null and void for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot people.