Cyprus and France sign cultural cooperation agreement

Cyprus Deputy Minister of Culture, Klea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina, visited Paris from October 19 to 21, 2026, to engage in high-level discussions with French government officials, UNESCO leadership, and major cultural institutions. A primary outcome of the visit was the signing of a Declaration of Intent for cultural cooperation between Cyprus and France on October 19, concluded during her meeting with French Minister of Culture, Catherine Pégard.

This agreement establishes the first formal institutional framework for cultural ties between the two nations, aiming to transition existing relations into structured programs such as co-productions, artist exchanges, and joint initiatives for the protection of cultural heritage. The pact builds upon the Strategic Partnership signed by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and French President Emmanuel Macron in December 2025.

Beyond the bilateral agreement, the visit included meetings with UNESCO officials, including Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany and Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez. The Deputy Minister also held discussions with the leadership of prominent French organizations, including the National Library of France, the Comédie-Française, and the Louvre Museum, to explore further collaborative opportunities.