Cyprus and France carried out Monday an aeronautical search and rescue exercise in the sea area south of Cyprus.
The exercise was coordinated by the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus.
In a statement, Defence Minister Demetris Eliades said that the exercise was crowned with success adding that it was the first time such an exercise of such an extent takes place.
The exercise was carried out in the morning and lasted four hours. Cyprus participated in the exercise with two ships and two helicopters, medical staff and other services of the Republic, the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus, whereas France participated with its modern frigate FORBIN and one of its helicopters stationed in the port of the south coastal town of Larnaca.
The Minister said similar exercises between the Cypriot and French forces will continue to take place in the future in the framework of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence as well as with other countries.