France, Greece, and Cyprus have sent a strong message of European solidarity and defence cooperation as tensions rise across the eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East.
Speaking in the Cypriot city of Paphos alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the security of Cyprus is inseparable from that of Europe as a whole.
"When someone attacks Cyprus, they attack the whole of Europe," Macron said during the joint statements, underlining that the situation on the island is also a matter of concern for Paris. The French president confirmed that France has already deployed military assets to support the island's defence. "Behind the text we signed there is a commitment and also our military presence," he said, noting that France has sent a Mistral air defence system and a frigate to Cyprus following recent missile attacks targeting the island.
Macron stressed that these deployments aim to bolster defensive capabilities and protect European citizens. "We want to express our will to stand by your side for the secure protection of European citizens and for their safe repatriation," he added.
The French leader also called for de-escalation in the region, urging both Hezbollah and Israel to halt attacks in Lebanon. "Our stance must remain defensive, but we must also demonstrate the credibility of our actions to lead to de-escalation," he said, warning that the stability of the eastern Mediterranean and key maritime routes is at stake.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed the message of unity, asserting that Cyprus "is not and will never remain alone." He highlighted Greece's swift response to the crisis, including the deployment of Greek frigates and F-16 fighter jets to the island. Addressing Cypriots directly, Mitsotakis said: "From here we send a clear, loud, determined message of unity and solidarity."
He also thanked France for its quick support and contributions from Italy and Spain, describing the joint mobilisation as proof of the European Union's commitment to mutual defence. "In a world experiencing unprecedented turmoil, Europe must remain a responsible force capable of shaping global developments," Mitsotakis stated, emphasising the importance of maintaining stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides described the joint visit of Mitsotakis and Macron to Cyprus as both symbolic and strategically significant, highlighting growing European security cooperation amid escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.
"I want to thank you on behalf of the Cypriot people for your immediate response to my request, for your practical and substantial support, and for the clear message that the security of Cyprus means the security of Europe. It means collective responsibility," the Cypriot President said.
He expressed particular appreciation for Greece's military presence on the island, noting that the deployment of F-16 fighter jets and the Greek frigates Psara and Kimon had greatly moved the Cypriot public. Addressing Mitsotakis directly, he said that these deployments underline the enduring bonds between Greece and Cyprus. "The presence of the F-16 fighter jets as well as the frigates in Cyprus moved all of us," he said, adding that the ships represent the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
Christodoulides reiterated that Cyprus is not participating in military operations and remains committed to a humanitarian role during the crisis. "We do not engage in military operations. We remain committed to the humanitarian role we have served throughout this period, always responsibly, as part of the solution and never as part of the problem," he concluded.
