Macron visits Cyprus, stresses European security

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised that “the security of all Europeans is our common interest” during a visit to Cyprus on March 9, highlighting France’s swift support following drone and missile strikes on the island.

Macron, who is in Cyprus alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides, announced the deployment of the frigate Languedoc and a Mistral anti-aircraft defence section to bolster local defences, Caliber.Az reports. 

À l’invitation du Président Nikos Christodoulides, je suis à Chypre, aux côtés du Premier ministre grec Kyriákos Mitsotakis.

La sécurité de tous les Européens est notre intérêt commun. Nous avons immédiatement pris des mesures de solidarité avec Chypre,… pic.twitter.com/DVgQ0vgfb4

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 9, 2026

He also noted that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its strike group are positioned near Cyprus, and said he plans to visit the carrier before returning to Paris to assess the situation firsthand.

Cyprus was targeted last week by Iranian-made drones, leading Macron to order France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean and a frigate and air defence units to Cyprus.

By Sabina Mammadli