2026-03-09 15:13
publication
2026-03-09 15:13
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday during his visit to Cyprus that his country is preparing, together with partners, a mission to open the Strait of Hormuz and escort ships after the end of the most severe phase of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Macron stressed that this mission – which aims to enable the free transport of oil and gas – will be “purely defensive” in nature.
He assured that “when Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked.” – The defense of Cyprus is, of course, a fundamental issue for your country and for Greece, which is your neighbor, partner and friend, but also for France and, with it, for the European Union, Macron said in the presence of Cypriot President Nikos Christodulidis and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
He announced that his country would send two frigates to the Red Sea as part of the EU mission. In total, he added, France's presence in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz will include eight warships and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The latter ship is currently located near Crete.
Macron also confirmed that the situation in the Middle East is the subject of talks between the finance ministers of the G7 countries.
The purpose of the French president's visit to Cyprus is to show solidarity with the EU country that was the target of an Iranian drone attack. The British base on the island was attacked by Iran in retaliation for the operation by US and Israeli forces. After this incident, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands made a joint decision to send warships to the area of the island to strengthen its protection.
From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)
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