French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at the Paphos military airport in in Cyprus, Monday, during a visit showing France's solidarity after recent drone attacks amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and aimed at reinforcing European security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Reuters-Yonhap
PAPHOS, Cyprus — French President Emmanuel Macron said that an attack on Cyprus was an attack on all of Europe as he spoke during a visit to the island nation after it was targeted by Iranian-made drones.
"When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked," Macron said in Paphos alongside the leaders of Cyprus and Greece.
"The defence of Cyprus is obviously a key issue for your country, for your neighbor, partner and friend, Greece, but also for France and, with it, the European Union," he added.
Macron arrived in Cyprus on Monday to discuss regional security, while Paris deployed warships to the Mediterranean and the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran stretched into a second week.
Macron, who landed in Paphos earlier on Monday, met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for talks.
European Union member Cyprus was targeted last week by Iranian-made drones, leading Macron to order France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, as well as a frigate and air defense units to the island nation.
Macron was scheduled to visit the Charles de Gaulle on Monday afternoon.
France's flagship is currently stationed off the coast of Crete, according to the Elysee.
The Elysee has said the visit aims to show "solidarity" and detail moves to "strengthen security around Cyprus and in the eastern Mediterranean."
Source: Korea Times News
