Cyprus – Meetings between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Amélie de Montchalin with the Cypriot foreign minister (7 May 2019)

Following Mr. Le Drian’s visit to Cyprus last September and in line with President Macron’s visit to Nicosia on January 29, the ministers will discuss the importance of the bilateral relationship, its strategic nature for the two countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its expansion in the areas of defense and energy. They will also discuss the Cypriot question, in which France stands ready to support the parties’ efforts, when they are ready, to resume negotiations. Finally, they will address major international issues such as Syria and European challenges, especially migration, as Cyprus is particularly affected by the flow of migrants through the Eastern Mediterranean.

Minister of State for European Affairs Amélie de Montchalin will also receive Nikos Christodoulides to discuss major European issues, particularly Brexit, balances in the upcoming multiannual financial framework, and the continued integration of the euro area. Ahead of the informal European summit on May 9, they will also address the major challenges for the future of the EU, while the next strategic program will help develop the concept of European sovereignty.

With Turkey announcing that it is about to continue drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, some of which falls within the Republic of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, France reiterates its unwavering commitment to compliance with international maritime law and Cyprus’s sovereignty. France urges the Turkish authorities to avoid engaging in a provocative act that is clearly counter to international law and which can only increase tensions in a region that is in need of stability. The Republic of Cyprus can count on France and the EU’s solidarity and support, as expressed by High Representative Mogherini.