Nicosia: Together with Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 'we are working for security around Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean,' French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday. 'We did not want this war, but we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to protect our fellow citizens, our economies and to prevent an escalation in the region, in Lebanon and in the Middle East,' Macron posted on X, in the Greek language, on the occasion of his visit to ''Andreas Papandreou'' Air Base on the island. 'France stands in solidarity with its friends and allies in the region, who have been targeted by missiles and drones,' he wrote.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Macron emphasized their responsibility to protect the 400,000 French citizens in the region, coordinating efforts to ensure their safety and support repatriation operations for those wishing to return. He noted that the effective closure of sea routes impacts the global economy, and stated that efforts are underway to restore freedom of navigation and safeguard these vital routes, particularly through the European Union naval operation, Aspides.
In the context of the French Presidency of G7, Macron took the initiative to coordinate with heads of state and government to address energy challenges. Following his visit to Cyprus alongside the Greek Premier, Macron proceeded to the ''Charles de Gaulle'' aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.