Paris, France. Cyprus reaffirmed its defence partnership with France as National Guard personnel took part in the Bastille Day military parade along the Champs Elysees.
National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanouel Theodorou attended the celebrations and held talks with French armed forces chief Lieutenant General Fabien Mandon.
Cypriot participation
A Cypriot flag detachment and a National Guard unit comprising 23 personnel marched in the parade. According to the National Guard, Cyprus participated in the celebrations for only the second time since 2007.
The National Guard said the participation reflected the historical friendship between the two peoples and the particularly high level of strategic cooperation between Cyprus and France.
Security discussions
During his visit, Theodorou met Mandon for bilateral discussions on international security developments, strengthening the European Union’s defence capabilities and the security environment in the eastern Mediterranean.
President visits contingent
The events followed President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to the Cypriot contingent before the parade. He praised the personnel selected to represent the Republic and said the invitation to march with the Cyprus flag on the Champs Elysees had significant symbolic importance.
Christodoulides said defence cooperation between Cyprus and France was at the highest level and congratulated the contingent for representing the country at one of France’s main national ceremonies.
He also paid tribute to National Guard personnel serving in international missions and multinational formations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the Republic’s defence capabilities.
