President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Cyprus on Monday as France boosts its military presence in the Mediterranean following a recent drone attack on the EU member state, the Élysée announced.
Macron is set to meet Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Paphos to demonstrate “solidarity” and outline steps to “strengthen security around Cyprus and in the eastern Mediterranean.” The visit comes as the US‑Israel war with Iran enters its second week, sending shockwaves across the region.
Cyprus was struck on Monday by Iranian‑made drones, prompting Macron to order the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, along with a frigate and air‑defense units, to the area. France has stressed that its posture is “strictly defensive.”
According to the Élysée, the trip will also highlight the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz key maritime chokepoints that have seen multiple attacks on commercial vessels since the conflict began on February 28. The EU’s Aspides naval mission is central to those efforts.
Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the visit will allow the leaders of Cyprus, Greece and France to review their “high level of coordination.” He also noted the involvement of Italy and the United Kingdom, both of which have deployed warships to Cyprus.
Macron wrote on X that he had also spoken with the Emir of Qatar, as well as the presidents of Egypt and Azerbaijan. In his conversation with Qatar’s ruler, he emphasized France’s “defensive military support,” particularly air assets deployed for Qatar’s protection.
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