A 20-member ceremonial contingent drawn from the branches and corps of the National Guard will take part on Tuesday, 14 July, in the military parade in Paris marking France’s national day (Bastille Day), which will be attended, among other dignitaries, by President Nikos Christodoulides at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Cyprus News Agency (CNA) sources.
The National Guard previously participated in France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris in 2008 with a six-member contingent, while in 2019 it took part in Poland’s National Day parade with three members. This year marks the first time it will participate in such a parade with a significantly larger contingent.
According to CNA sources, the contingent comprises of 18 officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), along with two alternates, who are already in Paris taking part in rehearsals for the parade. National Guard Commander Chief Lieutenant General, Emmanouel Theodorou, will travel to France on Monday together with the President of the Republic.
The participation of the contingent follows an invitation from France and takes place within the framework of Cyprus-France military cooperation.