Paris, France. President Nikos Christodoulides praised the Republic of Cyprus armed forces and highlighted defence cooperation with France during a visit to the Cypriot National Guard contingent in Paris.
Christodoulides visited the military base hosting the contingent on Monday, ahead of its participation in Tuesday’s Bastille Day military parade.
Symbolic participation
The president travelled to the French capital at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron for Bastille Day celebrations.
Addressing the elite unit, Christodoulides said the invitation for the contingent to march with the flag of the Republic of Cyprus along the Champs-Élysées before heads of state and government carried significant symbolic importance.
Strategic partnership
Christodoulides said the invitation reflected the strength of the strategic partnership between Cyprus and France, adding that bilateral relations were at their highest level.
In the presence of National Guard commander Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, he congratulated the personnel representing Cyprus in the parade.
Defence capabilities
The president also praised National Guard members serving in international missions and multinational formations.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously strengthening the Republic’s defence capabilities.
