Regional security developments and diplomatic visits in Cyprus

President Nikos Christodoulides declared that Cyprus' security is a collective EU responsibility during the visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders were scheduled to meet at the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos to discuss regional stability. Meanwhile, Turkey deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the northern part of Cyprus, which the Turkish Defense Ministry described as a measure to enhance security in the region. President Christodoulides emphasized that Cyprus is not involved in any military operations and remains a pillar of stability, focusing on evacuation assistance for foreign nationals. Regarding reports of potential direct talks between Lebanon and Israel held in Cyprus, the President noted he has been in communication with the Lebanese leadership but will only announce concrete developments when they occur. Greece provided early military support to the island, including the deployment of two pairs of fighter jets and two frigates. The President reiterated that all domestic security measures are strictly defensive in nature.