BRUSSELS — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support to Greece and Cyprus, at doorstep statements on Thursday prior to the Special European Council that will discuss, among other issues, the EU's relationship with Turkey.

"I want to be clear: solidarity with Cyprus and Greece is non-negotiable," he said, further adding that when an EU state is attacked or threatened and its sovereign rights not respected, "it is the duty of Europeans to show solidarity." He said France would reiterate its support to Greece and Cyprus and find a way to talk with Turkey.

European Council President Charles Michel also expressed, on his part, the "full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus" and said it was important for the EU to commit to protecting their sovereign rights. "We want more predictability, more stability in the Eastern Mediterranean," he added.

European Union leaders are meeting to address a series of foreign affairs issues ranging from Belarus to Turkey and tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

(ANA-MPA/I. Zarkadoula)