Macron informed reporters at a military base in Cyprus that he had discussions about a potential mission with Greek and Cypriot leaders, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulides.
Macron’s visit to Cyprus on Monday followed drone attacks on the island after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that led to regional conflicts.
“When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked,” Macron stated, committing to reinforce Franco-Cypriot defense agreements. France has already provided air defenses to Cyprus and stationed its sole aircraft carrier in the area.
Macron mentioned that France aims to “adopt a purely defensive approach in support of all nations attacked by Iran” and “aid in regional deescalation.”
Cyprus’ Christodoulides stated that Nicosia would refrain from any military actions and focus on a humanitarian role instead. Mitsotakis remarked that “freedom of navigation” was “under threat” and urged Europe to be ready to “address other asymmetric threats, including significant migration flows.”
Nektaria Stamouli contributed to this report.
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