Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Serbian counterpart Bratislav Gašić signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Nicosia on Wednesday. The pact strengthens the institutional framework for defence and security cooperation and simplifies joint operations.
Strategic trust and shared principles
“Cyprus and Serbia have built a substantial relationship based on strategic trust, shared principles and a common view of regional security challenges,” Palmas said after the meeting.
The ministers focused on expanding cooperation, particularly in training and armaments programmes. Palmas pledged Cyprus will work for “even more substantial and effective collaboration” to deepen bilateral ties.
Mutual respect for territorial integrity
Gašić reaffirmed Serbia’s full respect for Cyprus’s territorial integrity on land and sea, and support for a peaceful solution through dialogue. He called the SOFA “of great importance” as it eases future army cooperation.
Looking ahead
Both sides agreed to intensify military and military-economic ties to enhance their armed forces’ capabilities.
Gašić highlighted regular high-level contacts, excellent relations between Presidents Christodoulides and Vučić, and cooperation between the Cyprus National Guard and Serbian army as key to regional stability.
He invited Palmas to Serbia in 2026 to continue strengthening ties. Palmas noted this was their second meeting in under three months, underscoring the close partnership. He described the SOFA as the “crowning achievement” of the two countries’ substantial relationship.
Regional security discussions
The ministers reviewed security in Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, Serbia and the Western Balkans.
Palmas briefed Gašić on challenges from Turkey’s revisionist policy and growing aggression, while reaffirming Cyprus’s commitment to peaceful resolution under international law, UNCLOS and UN resolutions.
Palmas reiterated Cyprus’s principled non-recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence and readiness to support initiatives promoting stability and dialogue in the region.
Ahead of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency, Palmas assured full support for advancing EU-Serbia institutional dialogue and decisions that move Serbia closer to membership.
“Further alignment with EU policies will strengthen Serbia’s role in regional peace and security,” he added.
Serbian gratitude
Gašić thanked Cyprus for resisting pressure to recognise Kosovo and for consistently upholding Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also expressed appreciation for Cyprus’s support of Serbia’s EU accession, participation in Belgrade’s “Partner 2025” defence exhibition and confirmation for “EXPO 2027”.
Gašić wished Cyprus “every success” during its upcoming EU Council Presidency, expressing confidence it will uphold international law and respect legitimate international acts.
Also read: National Council after Christodoulides–Erhürman–Holguín meetings
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