Serbia and Cyprus Sign SOFA Agreement, Elevating Defense Ties to Their Highest Level Yet
Serbia and Cyprus signed a SOFA agreement in Nicosia, strengthening military cooperation and reaffirming their long-standing political partnership.
Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić concluded an official visit to the Republic of Cyprus, where he and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) — a move intended to streamline future military cooperation and signal a new phase in bilateral defense relations.
The visit began with a one-on-one meeting between the two ministers in Nicosia, followed by delegation-level talks focused on security risks, regional developments, and expanding practical cooperation between the two armed forces. Both sides emphasized that the agreement reinforces long-standing political alignment and mutual strategic trust.
Gašić: “Cyprus remains a steadfast partner”
Gašić underscored the depth of Serbia’s relationship with Cyprus, describing the two nations as “friendly and brotherly” with shared historical and political bonds. He reiterated Serbia’s gratitude for Cyprus’s consistent refusal to recognize Kosovo’s independence despite years of external pressure.
“Cyprus has shown principled and unwavering support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Gašić said, adding that such positions carry real weight at a time of intensifying geopolitical fractures.
He also thanked Cyprus for supporting Serbia’s EU accession path, its participation at the “Partner 2025” defense exhibition, and its confirmed presence at the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade.
SOFA Agreement as a Force Multiplier
Calling the newly signed SOFA a milestone, Gašić stressed that the agreement will ease future joint activities, training, and operational cooperation between the Serbian Armed Forces and the Cypriot National Guard.
“In the coming period, we will expand military-to-military and military-economic cooperation, strengthening capabilities and readiness of both armed forces,” he noted.
Operational Cooperation Already in Motion
Serbian personnel from the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, and Ministry of Interior are already deployed in the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Gašić highlighted their performance as a tangible contribution to maintaining stability on the island.
He reaffirmed Serbia’s respect for the territorial integrity of Cyprus — on land and at sea — and its support for a peaceful, negotiated solution to the island’s long-running dispute.
Deep Political Alignment
Gašić emphasized that frequent high-level contacts, including the strong personal rapport between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, have created an atmosphere conducive to long-term strategic cooperation.
“When two nations that have always stood on the right side of history sit down together, the potential for cooperation expands beyond defense into broader bilateral ties,” Gašić added, wishing Cyprus success in its upcoming EU Council presidency.
Cyprus: Partnership Rooted in Trust and Shared Challenges
Minister Palmas described the meeting as further proof of the close relationship between the two countries, noting that historical ties continue to strengthen through mutual understanding and aligned perspectives on regional and global challenges.
