The official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cyprus marks a deepening of strategic ties, with both Paris and Nicosia emphasising that relations are at their strongest level to date and reaffirming close cooperation across key sectors.
Historic visit and strong political signal
President Nikos Christodoulides described the visit as historic, noting it is the first official bilateral visit by a French president to Cyprus, despite previous visits to the island.
“The presence of the French President here in Nicosia… sends a clear message about the strength and the prospects of our strategic cooperation,” he said.
He added that the visit reflects a shared political will to move forward with concrete actions, building on the upgraded strategic partnership agreed in Paris in December.
Christodoulides also highlighted Macron’s previous visit to Cyprus in March, saying it “marked the tangible and substantive support and solidarity of France towards Cyprus and Europe.”
Relations at their highest level, says Macron
Macron said cooperation between the two countries has reached an unprecedented level, describing it as “a balanced and substantive strategic partnership” that has already delivered results.
He stressed that “France is and will always stand by your country,” adding that supporting Cyprus is both a sign of friendship and European solidarity.
“Our role is to stand by your country, particularly in difficult times,” he said.
Defence and security cooperation deepens
Christodoulides described France as one of Cyprus’ most reliable partners, pointing to growing cooperation in defence and security.
He referred to a recent joint exercise between the National Guard and French armed forces, as well as plans to sign a Status of Forces Agreement in June regulating the presence of French forces in Cyprus for humanitarian operations.
The two countries are also expanding cooperation through joint procurement, exchange of expertise and increased interoperability, alongside closer links between the French defence industry and Cyprus’ emerging ecosystem.
Macron said France is “proud” to be a key defence partner of Cyprus, both operationally and in terms of equipment, adding that both sides are committed to further strengthening cooperation.
Energy and regional strategy in focus
In the energy sector, Christodoulides said cooperation with TotalEnergies is a cornerstone for developing Cyprus’ natural gas resources, with plans to transport gas to Europe via Egypt.
Macron highlighted Cyprus’ strategic geographic position, describing it as a key link between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, and stressed France’s support for major connectivity and energy projects, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.
He said France would continue to support Cyprus in advancing such projects, both through European funding and industrial cooperation.
Shared vision for EU strategic autonomy
Both leaders underlined their shared support for a stronger and more strategically autonomous European Union.
Christodoulides said this aligns with Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency priority of promoting “a strategically autonomous Europe open to the world,” while Macron’s longstanding advocacy for European autonomy was also referenced.
They also discussed key EU priorities, including continued support for Ukraine, competitiveness and digital safety.
France’s backing on Cyprus issue reaffirmed
Christodoulides thanked France for its consistent support on the Cyprus issue, stressing its role as the only EU member state that is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“True friends are revealed in difficult times, and you have proven this in practice,” he told Macron.
Macron reaffirmed France’s position, saying that “when Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked,” underlining the broader European dimension of France’s support.
Education and cultural ties highlighted
Beyond strategic cooperation, both leaders pointed to strong cultural and educational links.
Macron described the Franco-Cypriot school network as “an excellent investment for the future,” noting its rapid growth, while Christodoulides highlighted longstanding cultural ties between the two countries.
Following their meeting, the two presidents visited the Franco-Cypriot school in Nicosia, where they toured the facilities and spoke with students.
Source: CNA