DIPLOMACY: Macron eyes visit to Cyprus in November

France President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Cyprus in November to underscore a growing relationship determined to bring regional and energy security to the East Med.

During his visit Macron will hold talks with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, with whom he is set to announce a number of bilateral agreements on various issues.

CNA has learned that Macron’s visit is also related to an invitation extended to him six months ago by the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Constantinos Christofides, to attend the inauguration ceremony of the University’s Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre that will take place on November 22.

The centre was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, whose work is admired by the French President, who wishes to be present at the inauguration ceremony.

A diplomatic source said that after the talks French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had in Nicosia with the Cypriot government the two countries have reached a number of bilateral agreements on various issues related to the political, energy and defence relations and their cooperation within the EU.

The nature of these agreements will be announced soon.

Macron’s possible visit to Cyprus next month was discussed during Le Drian’s contacts on Friday, while the French Foreign Ministry informed the University of Cyprus Rector about Macron’s willingness to be present at the Learning Resource Centre’s inauguration ceremony.