Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has described French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Cyprus as historic, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Christodoulides said the visit marked the first official bilateral trip by a French president to the Republic of Cyprus since independence in 1960.
He noted that Macron had visited Cyprus twice within 45 days, describing the repeated engagements as a sign of increasingly close ties.
“The presence of the French president in Nicosia, the last occupied European capital, gives substance to the upgraded strategic partnership we signed in Paris in December,” Christodoulides said.
He added that the visit demonstrated a shared commitment to translating diplomatic relations into practical cooperation, saying it “sends a clear message about the strength and prospects of our strategic cooperation.”
Macron, speaking alongside Christodoulides ahead of a European Council summit in Ayia Napa, emphasised France’s longstanding support for Cyprus.
“Mr President, it is for my delegation and for me a veritable joy to be by your side because… France loves Cyprus, and our role is to be by your side in practice during difficult tensions,” he said.
The French president referenced his recent visit to Cyprus with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, reaffirming what he described as Europe’s solidarity with Cyprus.
“I said it in a simple way on March 9, that when Cyprus was attacked, it was Europe which was attacked,” Macron said.
He pointed to France’s increased military presence in the region, including deployment of the French carrier strike group led by the aircraft carrier French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, as evidence of Europe’s commitment to regional security.
Macron also highlighted expanding cooperation in defence, energy and infrastructure, including support for the proposed Great Sea Interconnector, which aims to connect the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
Christodoulides praised France as one of Cyprus’ “closest and most reliable partners”, pointing to collaboration across security, defence, energy and culture.
“True friends show up in difficult times, and you have proven it in practice,” he said.
“Know that in Cyprus, you are not just the president of a friendly country with which we have a strategic partnership, but a true friend who has rightfully earned a special place in the hearts of Cypriots.”
Source: Ekathimerini and Cyprus Mail
