PARIS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- France and Cyprus signed a strategic partnership agreement here on Monday during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides' visit to France.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Christodoulides.

"They signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening and structuring bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defense, economy, cultural cooperation, innovation, and education, as well as reinforcing coordination on European and international matters," the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

The two leaders also discussed the priorities of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026 and major international issues, it added. Enditem