Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of France on the occasion of the anniversary of Bastille Day

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14/07/25 21:15 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, European affairs, Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

It is a true pleasure to join you this summer evening in celebrating together la Fête Nationale – a milestone woven into the rich tapestry of French and European history, that resonates across the world as a beacon to the universal pursuit of liberty and dignity.

July 14th, 1789, marks far more than the onset of the French revolution.

It stands as a resolute and lasting proclamation of:

Liberty

Equality

Fraternity

The principles at the very heart of the French Republic and guiding light for democracies around the world. A light that shines eternally bright, that transcends centuries, borders and continents, projecting the values that are at the heart of the French Republic, and at the heart of democracies.

On Bastille Day, the profound realisation sparked in people’s hearts that they could stand up, proclaim, and attain their fundamental human rights. It cemented the notion that freedom, dignity and equality are not privileges of the few. They are universal and must be championed with courage and resolve.

Today, we also come together to celebrate the values that form an integral part of the bond between France and Cyprus:

Human rights,

Rule of law,

Democracy.

At a time of remarkable shift, regional conflicts and instability, pressing global threats, we are reminded that we can never take our value base for granted. That it is our duty to come together, partners that are reliable, stable, trustworthy, and strive to safeguard and uphold our values at a time when they come under attack. For the sake of this generation, of generations to come. For the sake of our Union.

For Cyprus, to us, France represents far more than a reliable and trustworthy ally. It is a steadfast friend, a strategic partner. A pillar of European strength and stability. Never has this held more truth since the Second World War – at a time when war has returned in our continent, following Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine.

Over the years, Cyprus and France have cultivated a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, grounded in the Strategic Agenda of 2016. Our cooperation spans crucial areas, such as defence and security, energy, education, enriched by continuous high-level political dialogue.

This includes the close cooperation with President Macron, which I value deeply. During my visit to Paris in May 2023, we renewed our dedication to a robust and forward-looking relationship. In October 2024, I had the honour of welcoming President Macron to Paphos for the MED9 Summit. And in March 2025, we met again in Paris where we discussed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and how we stand and support the region, as partners, as European Union (EU).

This year’s celebration also coincides with a time of renewed momentum in our partnership, as we work for a new, exciting chapter. Our upcoming meeting with President Macron here in Cyprus will be to sign a renewed, upgraded strategic partnership that will further elevate and expand our close ties.

And we look forward to the visit of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs before the end of July to prepare the visit of President Macron.

As true friends, France and Cyprus have stood side by side in the most challenging of times. This was recently exemplified yet again during the successful execution of evacuation operations through Cyprus in response to regional crises in the Middle East.

Following recent tensions in our neighbourhood, Cyprus stepped forward with conviction. Consistent with our role as an enabler of security and stability. In the framework of the Estia Plan, we received and temporarily accommodated more than 400 French citizens – a tangible reflection of the unwavering trust and solidarity that underpins our relations.

I wish to make special reference to education, which is a key, valuable component of our cooperation. And one that brings together our youth, that serves as a vessel for knowledge of each other’s culture, language, history. We have actively supported the expansion of the French-Cypriot school, with a new establishment in Lemesos. And we have reaffirmed our commitment to this facet of our cooperation by joining Francophonie as a full member. Furthermore, defence and security constitute central pillars of our bilateral as well as regional agenda. Through joint exercises and close operational cooperation, we ensure readiness to respond to emerging security challenges.

At the same time, France constitutes Cyprus’ principal defence partner. In turbulent times, this partnership emerges as both essential and strategically decisive, within our region and beyond. Both Cyprus and France share the goal of rendering the EU more strategically autonomous, also in the field of defence, and I am pleased that in these past few months we have seen concrete steps towards this goal at the EU level.

Strategic autonomy extends well beyond defence. And it also encompasses energy. TOTAL’s participation in the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone is a pillar of our cooperation and underscores the importance of this region in Europe’s energy security and diversification efforts. Areas that we aim to advance during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in less than five months from now.

Cyprus is gearing up to assume the Presidency of the Council with ambition, determination, well aware of that we are at an inflection point as a Union. Well aware that the stakes are high. We will be working closely with our partners, as honest brokers, to deliver concrete results for a stronger, safer, more prosperous Union. A Union of opportunity, where ideas, talent and innovation thrive – this requires us to make Europe more competitive, to make it easier, faster, for ideas and businesses to thrive.

We will continue our steadfast, unwavering support to Ukraine.

We will build on the momentum in enlargement which is a geopolitical investment for the EU.

We will work to deliver on our commitment to invest more on our defence capabilities and on defence innovation.

On making our Union more secure. And this covers areas such as migration, but also maritime security which directly impacts our supply routes, and areas such as water resilience, also a security question.

It has never perhaps been clearer that our security as EU, is tied to the security of our neighbourhoods, of our partners. And in this complex and fluid geopolitical landscape, our strategic partnerships, our web of trade agreements, our standing as a stable reliable actor that is able to align values and interests is what makes us stand out as an international actor. This region, our neighbourhood and the EU’s neighbourhood, is one that the EU ought to engage and invest more in, not only for its geostrategic importance, but also because it is a component part of our strategic autonomy as a Union. And the Cyprus Presidency will put this region to the forefront.

Cyprus is assuming the Presidency as the last member state of this peace project under military occupation by Turkey – occupation by Turkey of EU territory. It is a paradox to have a divided capital, occupation troops, internally displaced with fundamental rights violated, at the heart of the greatest peace project. Of a Union that healed after a devasting war, a project that translated Never Again into political action.

Tomorrow I am travelling to New York for the second expanded meeting under the United Nations Secretary-General’s (UNSG’s) auspices, fully committed to contributing to his efforts toward resumption of negotiations, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) and the laws, values, and principles of the EU. The EU’s commitment has been demonstrated through the appointment of a Special Envoy on Cyprus, whose role is to support the United Nations efforts, to work with all parties, to help create the conditions for resumption. In 2004 the Cyprus question became a European one and, at the same time, the EU became the best guarantee for reunited Cyprus and for all Cypriots.

With our commitment a given, we look to Turkey for its necessary tangible contribution to the UNSG’s efforts. Because reunification in Cyprus would be a game changer – for Cyprus, for the region, for EU-Turkey relations.

France has stood firmly in solidarity in supporting our efforts for reunification, firm on the adherence to international law, to UNSCRs as the only base for a comprehensive settlement. On behalf of the people of Cyprus, deepest appreciation to France for its unwavering support.

As we look to the future of Cyprus-France relations, we stand together with ambition and confidence in the enduring ties that bind us together – our countries and, of course, our people. And with a common vision to put the building blocks for an ever-greater partnership.

Thank you, Ambassador for this evening of togetherness and celebration. Be sure that Cyprus will remain a strong and steadfast ally of France. Working together for a more secure and stable Eastern Mediterranean and a stronger EU with a leading role in the world.

We have the vision and a common understanding of our responsibility.

(RM/AS/MS)

Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of France on the occasion of the anniversary of Bastille Day

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