Emmanuel Macron: “We did not want this war, but we have the responsibility to do everything possible to protect our compatriots, protect our economies, and prevent an escalation in the region, in Lebanon and the Middle East.

‘Together with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriákos Mitsotakis, we are working for security around Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. France stands in solidarity with its friends and allies in the region targeted by missiles and drones.

“Our responsibility is also to protect our compatriots who remain in the region, including 400,000 French citizens. We are coordinating our efforts to ensure their safety and support repatriation operations for those who wish to leave.

Finally, the de facto closure of maritime routes has an impact on the global economy. We are acting to “restore freedom of navigation and ensure the security of these essential routes, including through the European Union’s maritime operation, Aspides. As part of the French G7 Presidency, I have initiated coordination at the level of heads of state and government to address the energy challenges.”