Emphasis on defense, security, and strategic cooperation between Cyprus and France was placed by Emmanuel Macron during his joint statements with Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, confirming that Paris views the Republic of Cyprus as a key partner in the southeastern Mediterranean.

The French president’s visit had these issues on the agenda from the outset, along with energy and European cooperation. Macron spoke of a “strategic and sincere partnership” between the two countries in the fields of defense and security, while also making special reference to French assistance in tackling wildfires, noting that a delegation is currently in Cyprus to further strengthen cooperation in this area.

Security comes first

The emphasis on defense is no coincidence, as in recent months Nicosia has been seeking to give practical substance to Article 42.7 of the European Union—the mutual assistance clause. Just yesterday, Christodoulides stated that the EU needs a clear operational plan on how to support a member state under attack, while several European countries have already sent assistance to Cyprus following recent regional threats. In this context, the French presence takes on particular significance.

The strategic partnership agreement signed in December 2025 between Cyprus and France provides for closer coordination in defense, security, European strategic autonomy, and crisis management.

Cyprus’ role in the region

Macron linked defense cooperation to Cyprus’ geographical position, stating that the island is Europe’s gateway to the Middle East. He also expanded on broader plans, referring to maritime transport, energy connectivity, and data transmission within the wider framework of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). However, the foundation of his argument was clearly strategic: security and stability come first, everything else follows.

At the same time, the French president sent a message calling for de-escalation in the region, respect for international law, and the need for diplomatic management of crises, with references to Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. In doing so, he placed Cyprus within a broader regional framework where defense, deterrence, and diplomacy are closely interconnected.

Christodoulides: True friends show themselves in difficult times

Building on this, Nikos Christodoulides thanked France for its substantial support in efforts to resume talks on the Cyprus issue and highlighted the importance of France being the only EU member state that is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

He also referred again to Article 42.7, noting that the Republic of Cyprus is taking steps to give real substance to the clause, adding pointedly that “true friends are revealed in difficult times.” The remark was not merely diplomatic courtesy—it was a political message directed both domestically and internationally.