“Any attack on Cyprus is an attack on Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said today from Souda Bay Naval Base, where he arrived following the trilateral meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulides in Cyprus.

Speaking to Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), Macron initially expressed his joy and solidarity with the Greek people.

“I met your prime minister in Cyprus this morning to send together a message of friendship and solidarity. And to send a message to the Cypriots that when Cyprus is under attack, it is not only a matter of security for Cyprus and Greece, but for all of Europe,” he said.

“I want to thank Greece for the perfect cooperation we have had. In 2020 we signed a very important cooperation agreement and established a unique partnership in defense and security. It is not just a piece of paper, but something applied in real conditions, and I was very proud to see you and your frigates in Cyprus, the ‘Kimon’. This approach shows that defense and security serve the friendship between peoples. We are here by your side,” Emmanuel Macron concluded.