France looks to bolster defense cooperation with Cyprus – FM

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that Paris is looking to bolster defense cooperation with Cyprus that could help augment Europe’s presence in the east Mediterranean. The minister said after talks in Nicosia with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides that France wants a more united, democratic and sovereign Europe “whose voice is heard with greater power in the world,” AP reported. Christodoulides said Cyprus is ready to work with France to fulfill the ambition of French President Emmanuel Macron that Europe takes more responsibility for its own defense. French warships often use the east Mediterranean island-nation – some 160km from Syria’s coastline – as a resupply and refueling stop. The two ministers also discussed expanding energy cooperation.