Cyprus and France have upgraded their bilateral relations after signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement during a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulidis and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The agreement places cooperation in defence, economy and European coordination at its centre, marking what both leaders described as a significant new chapter in Cyprus-France relations.
The visit took place days before Cyprus assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2026. It forms part of Cyprus’s strategy to strengthen substantive alliances with a European dimension during a period of intense geopolitical developments.
The two presidents held morning talks followed by a signing ceremony for the agreement. Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos and France’s Deputy Foreign Minister then signed a Letter of Intent on consular representation, allowing France to represent Cyprus in locations where Cyprus lacks diplomatic representation after Cyprus’s full integration into the Schengen Zone.
The leaders discussed priorities for Cyprus’s EU Council presidency and major international and regional issues within the framework of common European positions and the need to maintain the Union’s unity and resilience.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement aims to strengthen and structure bilateral relations with institutional upgrading through concrete cooperation, particularly in defence, economy, cultural cooperation, innovation and education, as well as enhanced coordination on European and international issues.
Macron said the two countries have strategic cooperation that is moving to a higher level, focusing on strategic autonomy, innovation, ecology, digital affairs, education, culture and strategic and defence matters. He added that the two countries will finalise a SOFA agreement within weeks.
He noted that French warships dock in Cyprus approximately 20 times yearly, whilst joint naval exercises demonstrate both countries’ commitment to freedom and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Macron thanked Christodoulides for Cyprus’s assistance in evacuating French nationals from the region.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, Macron said France shows great support for efforts to find a just, comprehensive and lasting solution according to UN parameters and the European acquis, so all Cypriots can live together on a reunified island. He welcomed Christodoulides’s recent meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, expressing hope these contacts would soon allow negotiations to resume.
On Cyprus’s upcoming EU presidency, Macron said France relies on Cyprus to safeguard EU interests and strategic autonomy. He said Cyprus can count on French support for its European presidency, particularly in bringing the Mediterranean closer to the EU.
Christodoulides called the day historic for bilateral relations, describing France as a long-term, trusted and close friend to Cyprus.
He said the agreement and accompanying Action Plan signal a very important new chapter that elevates relations to strategic level. The agreement demonstrates both countries’ determination to upgrade bilateral cooperation and bring it to a new level whilst addressing current challenges.
“It is essentially a clear political statement and tangible expression of the strategic nature of our cooperation, defining our common vision and priorities for the coming years,” Christodoulides said.
He described France as a valuable strategic partner in the crucial areas of defence and energy, noting Cyprus’s appreciation for TotalEnergies’ presence in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone and increasing cooperation between the respective defence ministries, including collaboration on the SAFE regulation.
Christodoulides thanked Macron for France’s principled stance on the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions, European legislation and EU principles and values.
He highlighted France’s significant role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and thanked France for supporting Cyprus’s efforts to become a full member of the Schengen Zone.
Foreign Minister Kombos, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and officials accompanied the president on the visit.