France's Macron arrives in Cyrus for informal summit of EU leaders

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived on Thursday (April 23) for an informal meeting of European Union leaders in Cyprus' Ayia Napa.

The two-day summit brings together EU heads of state and Middle East partners to discuss the Iran crisis, energy security and the bloc's multiannual financial framework.

Speaking to journalists upon arrival at the summit, Macron said he aims to call for the ceasefire to be maintained and for it to include Lebanon. He said the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened in an "orderly" manner and not through blockades.

The conflict in Ukraine will also be a key discussion topic during the meeting, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be in attendance.

The European Union formally approved a promised 90 billion-euro loan to Ukraine, as well as a new package of sanctions against Russia.

-Ardee Napolitano/Reuters