Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy on Wednesday started combined and joint naval-air drills in the Eastern Mediterranean. The exercise, named Eunomia, contributes to the common security in the region and to defend the freedom of navigation, according to the French military.

Following the completion of internal procedures, the Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the French Republic, which was signed on 4 April 2017, came into force on 1 August 2020.

Cyprus plans to expand a navy base on the south shores to be able to host French navy vessels, Defense Minister Savvas Angelides said on Wednesday. "The expansion of the base at Mari is linked to the military cooperation agreement with France," Angelides told a press conference.