Defence Minister, Mr. Charalambos Petridis, accompanied by the Ambassador of France in Cyprus, Mrs. Salina Grenet-Catalano, the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Democritus Zervakis, and the General Director of the Ministry, Mr. Andreas Loukas, visited today the French “Charles De Gaulle” aircraft carrier which has been moored at the Limassol port since last Saturday.

According to the announcement of the Ministry, the presence of the flagship of the French fleet sends clear and unequivocal messages that the defence cooperation between Cyprus and France remains strong with the aim of enhancing security and ensuring free navigation in the wider region.

It is noted that on the occasion of the presence of warships participating in the aeronautical fleet in the framework of the “CLEMANCEAU 22” mission in the Mediterranean, led by “Charles De Gaulle” aircraft carrier, Search and Rescue (SAREX) and Air Defence (ADEX) exercises with Rafale aircraft have been planned. 

Air defence exercises with the participation of the French Rafale fighters were conducted a few days ago as part of the defence cooperation program between the two countries.

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