Cyprus will exercise its sovereign rights despite Turkish threats

Cyprus exercises and will continue to exercise its sovereign rights with full respect to the Law of the Sea Convention, despite threats and challenges from Turkey, Defence Minister Photis Photiou said during a meeting on Monday with the US Ambassador in Nicosia John M. Koenig, who was accompanied by the embassy Defence Attache.

According to an official press release, Photiou informed the US Ambassador that one of the priorities of the new government is to submit an application for accession to the “Partnership for Peace” and asked for US support in this effort.

The Defence Minister and the US Ambassador reaffirmed once again the positive climate of cooperation between the two countries and expressed the conviction and the political will to further develop bilateral relations.

They exchanged views on issues of general interest and reaffirmed the friendly and constructive relations between Cyprus and the US.

They also discussed defence matters as well as the excellent relations between Cyprus and the US in issues concerning the Defence Ministry competency.

Photiou and Koenig discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem as well as the protection and defence of Cyprus’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

They talked about developments in the Middle East and the broader region as well as the role Cyprus can play due to its geographical position, as a reliable bridge between the EU and the Middle East countries