Nicosia, Cyprus. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France “loves” Cyprus and would stand by the country during tensions, speaking alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia. The remarks came ahead of a European Council summit in Ayia Napa.
Joint press conference in Nicosia
Macron said it was a “veritable joy” to be with Christodoulides and that France’s role was to support Cyprus “in practice during difficult tensions.”
Reference to visit with Greek prime minister
Macron highlighted his joint visit to Cyprus last month with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which took place “immediately after the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.” He said the visit reaffirmed “unwavering solidarity” with Cyprus, describing it as “solidarity for a friend, and a European solidarity.”
EU defence clause cited
Macron pointed to Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, known as the Lisbon Treaty, as providing for this solidarity through the EU’s common defence pact.
Military deployments and regional security
Macron said his visit and the deployment of European military hardware in and around Cyprus after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone last month reaffirmed “our determination to secure Europe’s space.” He reiterated his earlier statement that “when Cyprus was attacked, it was Europe which was attacked.”
He said defence capabilities in the region had been reinforced through the deployment of military assets, including the French carrier strike group linked to the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been in the region since last month.
Strategic partnership and defence ties
Macron said support between the two countries had been bolstered in December through a strategic partnership signed with Christodoulides in Paris five months ago. He said the partnership had been “the will of Christodoulides since the first day.”
Macron said France was proud to be one of Cyprus’ “privileged partners” in defence, including operational planning and the supply of equipment and arms.
What do you consider the most significant element of France’s support for Cyprus mentioned in these remarks?
