Cyprus and France forge landmark strategic partnership

France and Cyprus signed on Monday in Paris a new strategic partnership signalling a decisive step toward deeper political, security and economic cooperation between the two countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the agreement as an “important step”, noting that France is the only European Union member state with which Cyprus has such a strategic partnership. 

He said the deal reflects France’s commitment to stand more firmly alongside Cyprus, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called the agreement “a highly significant chapter” in bilateral relations, saying it sets out a clear political vision backed by concrete priorities and a structured implementation mechanism.

The partnership covers diplomacy, defence and security, with both countries pledging closer coordination in support of a more sovereign and strategically autonomous European Union. France and Cyprus voiced shared concern over Russia’s war in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East and persistent instability across parts of Africa.

Defence cooperation is a central pillar of the agreement, with both sides committing to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial base and improve the EU’s capacity to act independently in an increasingly volatile global environment.

The deal also addresses migration, counterterrorism, civil protection and crisis response, including joint efforts in humanitarian assistance, mediation and peacekeeping. Economically, the two countries agreed to reduce critical external dependencies in areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, health and raw materials, while supporting European competitiveness and a stronger single market.

The partnership further promotes cooperation in education, culture and youth mobility, with an emphasis on multilingualism and cultural exchange through frameworks such as the International Organisation of La Francophonie.

To ensure results, France and Cyprus agreed to hold an annual high-level intergovernmental meeting to monitor progress and drive implementation.