The first joint operation between Cyprus and Germany to return illegal Pakistani residents home was carried out successfully on Tuesday, the interior ministry said on Wednesday.

The operation was carried out according to the advice of the EU border force Frontex.

The ministry said it had co-operated with the migration service of the police to return “a small number” of citizens to Pakistan.

The participation of Cyprus was considered especially important and creates prospects for more returns, and follows a recent agreement between Interior Minister Nicos Nouris and his German counterpart.

Cyprus, the ministry said, has already proceeded with agreements with a number of other European countries, such as France and Belgium, with the aim of returning more illegal third country nationals, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa.