A message of unity and solidarity was sent on Monday by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron, following a trilateral meeting held at ''Andreas Papandreou'' Air Base, at Paphos district, on the southwest coast of the island.
The three leaders discussed the latest developments in the wider region. Greece and France sent military assistance to Cyprus following an incident at RAF Akrotiri March 2nd when a drone fired from Lebanon hit the base causing damages.
“Unity is Europe's strength,” said President Christodoulides, speaking during their joint statements and thanking Greece and France leaders for their immediate response to his request and for their practical and substantial support and a clear message Cyprus' security is Europe's security. He also spoke of collective responsibility.
Greece, France, Spain, and Italy, he said, show what European solidarity means in practice, noting that, with the aid they sent, they contribute to the stability and security of the Eastern Mediterranean and show the path that the EU should follow.
When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked, the French President said on his part, adding that Cyprus' defence capability is a matter of vital importance not only for the country itself and its partner and friend Greece, but also for France and for the EU.
He also expressed France's support for Cyprus and for all the countries in the region and how important this is for Europe, noting that, while Cyprus holds the EU Presidency, the strategic autonomy for Europeans is the unity of an EU that knows how to defend itself.
“Historical ties unite us more than ever,” said Mitsotakis in his own statements, noting that the Republic of Cyprus “will never be left alone.”
He also said that the agreements they are signing are being tested in practice and that this strategic relationship between Greece and France and between Greece and Cyprus has been tested in practice.
Referring also to the response of Italy and Spain to President Christodoulides’ request for assistance, the Greek Premier said “if we do not act together in such a crisis, how will we face possible future threats?”
Now is the time to make it clear that every inch of European territory is inviolable, he said.
(Source: CNA)
