President Nikos Christodoulides has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for talks focused on the Cyprus–France Strategic Cooperation Framework, Cyprus’ bid for full entry into the Schengen Zone and developments in the Cyprus issue.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the inauguration of the exhibition marking Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU at the National Library of France, an event attended by Macron.
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the French president’s presence underscored the “close and excellent” bilateral ties between the two countries and the personal rapport between the two leaders.
According to Letymbiotis, the two presidents reviewed progress on the Strategic Cooperation Framework and its accompanying action plan, signed in Paris on Dec. 15, 2025. Christodoulides and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the agreed initiatives, which aim to deepen cooperation across a wide range of shared priorities.
They also confirmed France’s continued political support for Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen Zone, following the signing of a declaration of intent last December.
The leaders exchanged views ahead of the informal EU leaders’ summit on Feb. 12 at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, which will focus on European competitiveness.
Letymbiotis said both sides agreed on the need to accelerate efforts to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy — priorities that feature prominently in Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency agenda.
Christodoulides briefed Macron on preparations for the informal EU leaders’ meeting to be held in Cyprus on April 23–24, as well as the planned participation of Southern Neighbourhood countries under the EU’s Mediterranean Pact.
Strengthening ties between the EU and states in the region is a strategic priority for the Cyprus Presidency, he said.
The spokesperson added that Nicosia and Paris are jointly prioritizing multilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), where Cyprus serves as a natural and diplomatic bridge.
Christodoulides also updated Macron on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and ongoing efforts to restart negotiations from where they left off, in line with international law, UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles.
France, the only EU member state that is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council, remains a steadfast partner in Cyprus’ efforts, Letymbiotis said.
