Mitsotakis: Cyprus is not and will never be alone

"From here, from Cyprus, together with President Nikos Christodoulides and the President of France Emmanuel Macron, we are sending a common, clear, strong and determined message of unity and solidarity. A clear message, my dear Nikos, that the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European family, is not and will never be alone,” stressed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday, during joint statements with Macron and Christodoulides after their meeting in Paphos.

"Regarding Greece, from the very beginning of this crisis I made the security of the island, a place to which we are connected by the strongest national, historical and cultural ties, a key national priority. The security of Cyprus, as you said, dear Nikos, is an integral part of European security and certainly a factor of stability for the entire Eastern Mediterranean," he added.

"That is why, in coordination with you, the Greek armed forces were the first to move in order to demonstrate the presence of peace and security on this sacred land. Two Greek frigates - one of them the pride of the Greek fleet, the frigate HS Kimon (F‑601) - and four armed F‑16V Viper aircraft immediately arrived in Cyprus. Indeed, it will be an interesting historical footnote that the first operational mission of the 'Kimon' was here in Cyprus," Mitsotakis added, noting that the ship was named for the ancient Athenian general and admiral Kimon, who had linked his own history with the security of the island republic.

Referring to France’s assistance, Mitsotakis added:

"But, dear Emmanuel, it gives me particular pleasure that other partners also responded immediately—first among them our friend France. I want to thank you for your decision to be here with us today, following the prompt response of your country’s armed forces.”

"We proved that the strategic agreements we sign are not merely inconsequential texts - they are proven in practice. This strategic relationship between Greece and France, as well as between Greece and Cyprus, was tested in practice, and that is the great value of this move. This tangible solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus - which was followed by other European countries, including Italy and Spain - reflects the essence of the mutual defense clause provided for in Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union.

This, in turn, confirms that Europe remains a responsible power capable of shaping global developments, the prime minister said.

After the joint statements, the Greek prime minister, accompanied by President Christodoulides, visited the hangar where the Greek F‑16 Fighting Falcon aircraft were stationed, greeting and speaking with their pilots.

Macron: 'When someone attacks Cyprus, they attack Europe'

"I am here to tell you that when someone attacks Cyprus, they attack Europe," Macron stressed in his own statements at the press conference.

Addressing Christodoulides, he said the Cyprus issue was a very important matter, not only for Cyprus and Greece but also for France, highlighting the importance of their partnership.

Macron noted that behind the text signed by the three leaders "lies our commitment and our military presence." He said that a drone attack prompted France to deploy an air-defense system and a frigate, while also welcoming the contribution of other countries.

The French president additionally noted that the Charles de Gaulle (R91) aircraft carrier is currently operating very close to Cyprus, with the aim of strengthening the island’s air defense.

Macron said that France seeks to ensure maritime security, works closely with Greece, and that Operation “Aspides”, led by Greece, is tangible proof of this cooperation.

Christodoulides: The EU must become more actively involved

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, after thanking Mitsotakis and Macron for their presence, stressed in his statements that Greece, France and Cyprus are sending the message that Europe is determined to ensure the security of its member states and work for stability in the region.

"Your presence today in Paphos has substantial significance for Cyprus and for Europe," he said, adding that the security of Cyprus is a collective responsibility and part of Europe’s security.

"Dear Kyriakos, I do not need to explain the reasons why the presence of the F-16 aircraft and the two frigates moved all of us and highlighted the historic bonds that unite Cyprus and Greece, and the certainty that we stand together,” Christodoulides said, addressing the Greek prime minister.

He also noted that France’s response with a frigate and the Mistral surface-to-air missile system demonstrated that France is a strategic ally of Cyprus, adding that this solidarity highlights the shared conviction about the need for stability and security in the region.

Christodoulides also thanked the prime ministers of Italy and Spain for their support, saying their stance demonstrates what European solidarity means in practice and contributes to the stability and security of the region, sending a message about the path Europe should follow in light of current geopolitical realities.

"Developments remind us that whatever happens in the Middle East affects Europe - its energy stability, migration flows, and the collective European future,” Christodoulides said, noting that the European Union must become more actively involved in the wider region.