France has rejected Turkish claims that its recent defence agreement with Cyprus violates international law, emphasizing the arrangement as a technical framework for military cooperation rather than the establishment of a French military base. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed on June 8, governs the legal presence of French military personnel in Cyprus and aims to support humanitarian operations in the Levant.

French officials clarified that such agreements define the status of foreign armed forces operating within another country, especially outside multilateral defence organizations like NATO, noting Cyprus is not a NATO member. The agreement facilitates French military stopovers, overflights, and deployments, crucial for evacuations like the June 2025 operation to rescue French nationals from Israel.

Turkey has strongly criticized the deal, warning it threatens Turkish Cypriot security and breaches international law, but France maintains the agreement is not directed against Turkey. Paris highlighted its ongoing support for regional crisis management and reaffirmed its readiness to assist allies in accordance with international obligations.