French President Francois Hollande arrived at around 3.30 pm at Larnaca airport by private aircraft.
Immediately after his arrival, the French President boarded a helicopter and is being carried to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier off the Syrian coast. Before departure, Hollande had a short meeting with French Ambassador to Cyprus.
French President is expected to return to the island after 6 pm to meet with the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades at the official hall of the old Larnaca airport.
Hollande will visit military personnel on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier off the Syrian coast, his office said in a statement.
“He will meet the military involved in intensifying the battle against Daesh (Islamic State) in Syria and Iraq,” the statement said.
CNA/GMI/GV/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY