Macron makes first presidential visit to Cyprus since 1960, signals deeper defense and energy ties

Emmanuel Macron became the first French president to visit Cyprus since the island gained independence in 1960, meeting President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Thursday in a trip both governments described as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. The visit comes days before an informal European Union summit in Ayia Napa and follows a Strategic Partnership and Action Plan the two countries signed in Paris last December.

Speaking alongside Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, Macron said France holds deep affection for Cyprus and that its role is to stand firmly beside the island during difficult periods. He said bilateral ties have reached a historic high and that both nations plan to strengthen them further through energy and infrastructure projects.

Christodoulides called the visit historic and noted that Macron had traveled to the island twice in 45 days, saying the pace reflects the growing depth and momentum of the relationship. He described France as one of Cyprus’s steadiest and most trusted allies and credited Macron as an early advocate of European strategic autonomy, a vision he said has since gained broad acceptance across the continent.

Macron recalled a joint trip to Cyprus with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shortly after the conflict erupted in the Middle East, saying the purpose was to send a clear signal of solidarity. He also noted that after an Iranian-made drone struck the island, European military assets were deployed in the area, including the French carrier strike group attached to the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

He said the attack on Cyprus was effectively an attack on Europe. Officials said talks covered defense cooperation, energy, regional security, and Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council. Christodoulides briefed Macron on efforts by the UN Secretary-General to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said France has consistently backed a settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions. During the visit, Macron and Christodoulides also stopped at the French-Cypriot School, underscoring the cultural links that complement the expanding strategic agenda.

With the Ayia Napa gathering approaching and the Paris action plan in place, both sides signaled an intent to translate closer political alignment into concrete cooperation on energy, infrastructure and defense as Cyprus prepares for its turn at the helm of the EU Council.