Emmanuel Macron and Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in Cyprus on Monday for a high-level meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, as tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean continue to rise following recent drone and missile incidents.
The three leaders met at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos, where discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional security and coordinating European responses to escalating threats.
Strategic Meeting Amid Regional Tensions
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis arrived first, accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. President Macron’s aircraft landed shortly afterward, with the leaders greeting each other on the tarmac before beginning talks.
Cyprus President Christodoulides was joined by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.
According to the French presidency, the meeting aims to reinforce security cooperation around Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean while helping to reduce tensions in the region.
Military Presence in the Eastern Mediterranean
The meeting comes as Greece and France have increased their military presence around Cyprus in recent days.
Greece recently deployed four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to the Paphos airbase, while the Hellenic Navy also sent two frigates to patrol waters near the island.
France has similarly reinforced its presence, dispatching the frigate French frigate Languedoc to the region. Meanwhile, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its strike group are also heading toward the Eastern Mediterranean.
France Signals Support for Cyprus
Paris has emphasized that the visit is intended to demonstrate France’s solidarity with Cyprus following recent security threats.
President Macron said France is working closely with European partners, particularly Greece, to ensure stability and secure vital maritime routes in the region.
“Cyprus and France are bound by a strong and lasting strategic partnership,” President Christodoulides said, thanking France for its support during the current crisis.
The trip highlights growing European coordination as regional tensions continue to impact security across the Eastern Mediterranean.
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