Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a joint message of solidarity with Cyprus, underscoring Europe’s commitment to regional security amid rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
French President Emmanuel Macron, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis leave after a joint press conference at Paphos military airport, on the day of Macron’s visit to show France’s solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Paphos, Cyprus March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
Speaking after a trilateral meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece’s actions are defensive and rooted in longstanding ties with Cyprus and France.“From here, from Cyprus, together with President Christodoulides and President Macron, we send a clear, decisive message of unity and solidarity,” Mitsotakis said. “The Cypriot Republic, part of the European family, is not and will never be alone.” He added that today, all Greeks and Europeans stand in support of Cyprus and called for vigilance against threats in the region.
Mitsotakis highlighted the strategic and historical ties between Greece and Cyprus, noting that the security of Cyprus is integral to European security and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. He also detailed Greece’s rapid military deployment, stating, “Two Greek frigates, including the flagship Kimon, and four armed F-16 Viper aircraft were immediately sent to Cyprus. This marks the first operational mission of the Kimon, a vessel named after an Athenian admiral who dedicated his legacy to the security of the island.”
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to members of the military next to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Paphos military airport, on the day of Macron’s visit to show France’s solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Paphos, Cyprus, March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis take part in a joint press conference at Paphos military airport, on the day of Macron’s visit to show France’s solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Paphos, Cyprus March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
President Macron echoed these sentiments, highlighting France’s full support for Cyprus. “I am here to tell you that when Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked,” he said. Macron noted that France responded immediately with the frigate and the Mistral air defense system, and that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is positioned nearby to strengthen the island’s air defense. He also emphasized France’s role in protecting maritime navigation and energy security and called for de-escalation with Hezbollah and other regional threats
Following the meeting with Christodoulides and Mitsotakis, Macron announced that France will be sending two frigates, representing part of the Aspides mission in the Red Sea. “We are in the process of setting up a purely defensive, purely escort mission, which must be prepared together with both European and non-European states.”
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides speaks during a joint press conferance with French President Emmanuel Macron (not pictured) and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (not pictured) at Paphos military airport, on the day of Macron’s visit to show France’s solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Paphos, Cyprus March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speak to each other at Paphos military airport, on the day of Macron’s visit to show France’s solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Paphos, Cyprus March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou
Cypriot President Christodoulides reaffirmed that Cyprus is not engaged in military operations, framing the island as a victim of illegal occupation. He stressed that the EU must take a more active role in the wider region and that any instability in the Middle East affects Europe’s energy security, migration flows, and collective future. He thanked Greece and France for their immediate support, emphasizing the symbolic and practical impact of the F-16s and Greek frigates. Christodoulides also extended his gratitude to Italy and Spain for contributing to regional stability, reinforcing European solidarity.
The leaders’ statements underline a shared strategy of defense and diplomacy, signaling a united European front while Cyprus maintains its commitment to peace amid regional instability. Mitsotakis also called for broader European involvement, warning that the freedom of navigation is under threat and highlighting the Greek-led “Operation Shields” as a model of European defense cooperation. He noted that Europe must be prepared for asymmetric threats, including potential increased large-scale migration.
French President Emmanuel Macron meets Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as part of a visit focused on supporting Cyprus after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and strengthening European coordination in the region, in Paphos, Cyprus March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
