Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday described French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Cyprus as historic, saying it highlights the strength and future prospects of strategic ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Christodoulides said the visit marked the first official bilateral trip by a French president to the Republic of Cyprus since its independence in 1960.

He also noted that Macron had visited Cyprus twice within 45 days, calling the repeated trips evidence of deepening strategic relations.

“The presence of the French president in Nicosia, the last occupied European capital, gives substance to the upgraded strategic partnership we signed in Paris in December,” Christodoulides said.

He said the visit reflects shared political will for concrete policies and actions and “sends a clear message about the strength and prospects of our strategic cooperation.”

Christodoulides also thanked France for its support, saying Cyprus “will never forget” its assistance, which he described as proof of long-standing friendship and cooperation.

Source: Ekathimerini.com