The security of Cyprus is a collective responsibility of the European Union, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, stressing that the visits of the French and Greek leaders send a strong political message of European support.
Speaking to journalists during his arrival at the Pancyprian Lyceum of Larnaca for an event, the president described the visit by Emmanuel Macron and Kyriakos Mitsotakis as particularly significant.
Message of European responsibility
Christodoulides said the presence of European leaders demonstrates that Cyprus’ security is not solely a national matter but also concerns the European Union as a whole. “The most important message from this visit is that the security of Cyprus is also a responsibility of Europe. It is a collective responsibility of the European Union,” he said.
He added that the response from EU member states had been immediate and publicly thanked them for their support.
According to the president, the mobilisation of European partners opens the way for the EU to demonstrate in practice its commitment to defending its external borders. Christodoulides said it was particularly important to see so many European states present in Cyprus at this time. Asked whether the government was satisfied with the EU response, he said that such a level of engagement had not been seen before and described the development as highly significant.
Report on possible Lebanon–Israel meeting in Cyprus
Christodoulides was also asked to comment on a report by a Lebanese media outlet suggesting that direct talks between Lebanon and Israel could take place in Cyprus. He said he had spoken earlier in the morning with the President of Lebanon but did not confirm any such meeting. “When there is something concrete, we will proceed with a public announcement, as we always do, with transparency,” he said.