“The purpose of this visit is to express French solidarity with Cyprus,” sources from the Elysee Palace in Paris said.
Macron is due to meet Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who will also arrive in Cyprus on Monday as part of Greek defense support to the country, in the port city of Paphos to discuss the regional security situation.
According to Elysée Palace sources, the meeting will also help coordinate efforts to support repatriation operations. In solidarity with Cyprus, several European countries have strengthened their military presence in the region, including France which has deployed three of its warships.
The attack on RAF Akrotiri, suspected to have been carried out by Hezbollah from Lebanon, caused minimal damage and resulted in no casualties. More drones were intercepted, and families from the base were temporarily relocated.
Cyprus’ foreign minister said there were “questions” about the future of British military bases on the island following last Sunday’s drone attack, the Guardian reported.
The attack sparked a diplomatic row, with Cyprus’ high commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, saying the country was “disappointed” by Britain’s failure to warn people on the island of the impending strike.
(Vijesti.ba)
