French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Cyprus on Thursday for an official visit, ahead of the EU informal council that kicks off in Ayia Napa.

Earlier on Thursday, Christodoulides will be welcoming Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda for talks at the presidential palace.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Macron’s visit comes at a time when bilateral ties are at their strongest, following the signing of an upgraded strategic partnership agreement in Paris in December 2025, which covers a wide range of sectors, including defence and security.

Letymbiotis said the visit was a “milestone in the relations of the two countries”.

Macron and President Nikos Christodoulides will hold a tête-à-tête at the presidential palace, followed by expanded talks between their delegations. Discussions are expected to focus on energy, defence and regional security.

The EU leaders’ meeting starting on Thursday afternoon will focus on the geopolitical environment and Europe’s response, and the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034.

The leaders will be joined by key regional partners in the Middle East for an informal working lunch on April 24, to discuss the situation, shared challenges and emerging opportunities for cooperation.

The informal meeting will be chaired by European Council President António Costa.

Christodoulides is hosting the meeting in the framework of Cyprus’ EU presidency.

Meanwhile, the police are implementing tight security measures on Thursday and Friday for the informal meeting of the EU heads of state or government, meaning that roads Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta will be closed to traffic.

The roads around the Ayia Napa marina, including part of the Ayia Thekla avenue, will be closing on Thursday from 4pm till 11pm.

On Friday, the roads around the conference centre in Nicosia will be closed from 7.30am till 6pm, in particular Aglandja avenue from the junction with Limassol avenue till the Akademias avenue roundabout.