The strong ties of friendship between Cyprus and France and the political will to further strengthen them in all areas, including the energy sector, were underlined by the leaders of the two countries, Emanuel Macron and Nikos Anastasiadis in a meeting this afternoon at the Palais des Champs-Elysees. in Paris.
The meeting discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, bilateral relations, with emphasis on energy and defense issues, Euro-Turkish and regional issues.
A statement from the Cypriot presidency states that in statements after the meeting, the French president said that they discussed France-Cyprus bilateral relations and signed the strategic agenda for the economy and culture.
Emanuel Macron referred to the strong defense ties between the two countries, adding that the Ministry of Defense and the French Navy will work out proposals for cooperation.
He also referred to the economic cooperation between the two countries, making special reference to the activity of TOTAL in the Cypriot EEZ and pointed out that France fully supports the presence of the French company in Cyprus.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, the French president stated that "significant progress has been made in the talks" and that, he stressed, "it is due to President Anastasiadis".
He assured that "when the Republic of Cyprus decides to resume the negotiations, France will support them". France, said Emanuel Macron, is on the side of Cyprus and, "if requested, will be more involved in the Cyprus issue, as a permanent member of the Security Council.
President Anastasiadis stressed that the two countries reaffirmed the high level of their bilateral relations, as well as their excellent multilevel cooperation.
It was agreed, he said, to further intensify the dialogue, aiming at the gradual implementation of the French-Cypriot Strategy Agenda, which has been agreed and signed in October 2016.
Cyprus, Mr. Anastasiadis stressed, is developing initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean region, to promote cooperation, peace and stability.
It is in this context, he added, that "France can use the naval base in Marie and the air base of Andreas Papandreou in Paphos".
He also referred to the next Summit of the seven Mediterranean member states of the European Union, which will be held in Cyprus in the coming weeks.
In the morning, President Anastasiadis visited the Louvre Museum and was given a tour of the Cypriot Antiquities Wing. The Cypriot collection exhibits objects, among others, from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
Also on display is the giant jar of Amathus, which dates back to around the sixth century BC. It is made of limestone and is considered by archaeologists as unique in the world, due to the way it is built and its size.
Source: TheToc