A Cypriot National Guard contingent is taking part in France's Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées for the first time, carrying the flag of the Republic of Cyprus before heads of state and government in what officials describe as a highly symbolic moment for Franco-Cypriot relations.
President Nikos Christodoulides, who is in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, visited the French military base hosting the 20-member Cypriot contingent and met National Guard personnel ahead of the parade.
In a social media post, Christodoulides said he visited the base immediately after arriving in Paris and expressed pride in the members of the contingent representing Cyprus.
"Beyond its strong symbolism, the participation of a National Guard unit carrying the flag of the Republic of Cyprus on the Champs-Élysées before heads of state and government reflects the importance of the strategic cooperation between Cyprus and France and demonstrates the exceptionally high level of our bilateral relations."
During his visit, the President praised the Republic's armed forces and highlighted the close defence cooperation between Nicosia and Paris.
Addressing the contingent in the presence of National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, he congratulated the personnel selected to represent Cyprus, as well as those serving in international missions, and reiterated the government's commitment to continuously strengthening the country's defence capabilities.
France marks Bastille Day
France's National Day celebrations culminate today with the traditional military parade along the Champs-Élysées.
More than 6,500 military personnel are participating, alongside hundreds of military vehicles, aircraft and helicopters. Fighter jet formations are conducting flyovers above the French capital as thousands of spectators gather along the parade route.
This year's parade has a strong European dimension, with military contingents from several countries marching alongside the French armed forces to showcase cooperation on defence and security issues.
President Macron is attending the ceremony alongside foreign leaders and representatives of international organisations. The event is also significant as it is expected to be the last Bastille Day parade held during his presidency.
Focus on support for Ukraine
Support for Ukraine features prominently in this year's events.
A Ukrainian military contingent is participating in the parade, while French and allied aircraft are taking part in aerial displays over Paris.
The celebrations follow Monday's meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, coordinated by France and the United Kingdom.
Representatives from 37 countries participated either in person or via videoconference, with Moldova and North Macedonia joining for the first time.
Among the issues discussed were:
- Strengthening Ukraine's air-defence capabilities
- Potential production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine under US licence
- The development of ballistic missile defence systems
- Security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a future ceasefire
According to the French presidency, discussions also included plans for a multinational force to be deployed away from the front line, although details have yet to be finalised.
What Bastille Day represents
Celebrated every year on 14 July, Bastille Day is France's national holiday.
Officially established in 1880, it commemorates both the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a defining event of the French Revolution, and the Fête de la Fédération of 1790, which symbolised national unity.
The military parade on the Champs-Élysées is regarded as one of Europe's oldest and largest military ceremonies and is attended by France's political and military leadership as well as foreign guests.
Today, Bastille Day remains one of Europe's most important national commemorations, combining historical remembrance with military tradition and the ideals of liberty and national unity.
