The French and Cypriot marine and air forces held a joint exercise on Monday as French Defense Minister Florence Parly arrived in the eastern Mediterranean island for talks on strengthening military cooperation, Cyprus's Defense Ministry said.

Attending the start of the exercise dubbed "Talos 1-2020", Cypriot Defense Minister Savvas Angelides said the exercise involved France's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jets in the role of attacking airplanes, and Cypriot anti-aircraft missiles in a defensive role.

"Today was the first phase of the joint exercise with France aimed at attacking virtual targets. Cyprus's air defense system had now been integrated," Angelides said.

"What we have seen today is an example of France's tangible cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. More such exercises would be taking place with France," he said.

Cyprus and France have upgraded their defense cooperation in recent months. The Cypriot government has also confirmed recent press reports that it purchased a French anti-aircraft system at a cost of 240 million euros (260 million U.S. dollars).

Cyprus is also upgrading a naval base on its southern shores for use by French navy vessels.

The French defense minister arrived in Cyprus late on Monday for talks on Tuesday with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Angelides on expanding military cooperation. 

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