French President Emmanuel Macron is in Cyprus today for an official visit ahead of the informal EU summit, meeting President Nikos Christodoulides for bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace. The visit, confirmed by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, is the first official bilateral visit by a French president since Cyprus gained independence in 1960, and takes place against the backdrop of the recently signed upgraded Strategic Partnership and Action Plan 2026–2030 between the two countries.
Letymbiotis described the visit as carrying particular historical significance, noting that it reflects the strategic convergence between Nicosia and Paris on defence, energy and regional security. The two presidents will hold a private meeting before chairing expanded talks between the two national delegations. Following the conclusion of the talks, they will make statements to the press and then visit the Franco-Cypriot School together.
According to Letymbiotis, discussions are expected to focus on the implementation of the Strategic Partnership, the further strengthening of cooperation in energy, defence and regional security, and matters relating to the European agenda and cooperation within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. President Christodoulides will also brief Macron on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and on the efforts being made by the UN Secretary-General. France, Letymbiotis noted, remains consistently and historically supportive of efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides will hold a separate bilateral meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, with expanded inter-delegation talks to follow. The two presidents will not make statements to the press.
Source: CNA