Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides briefed on Friday the UK’s High Commissioner and Egypt’s Ambassador to Cyprus about the developments in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, during the meeting which was held in the Minister’s office in the context of a series of contacts he is having after assuming his duties, Petrides said that the cooperation developed with friendly countries contributes to the creation of conditions of security and stability in the region.

The press release says that the Egyptian Ambassador Mai Taha Khalil wished Petrides every success in his new duties and noted that the ties between Cyprus and Egypt were further strengthened by the bilateral and trilateral cooperation that has been concluded.

On his part, the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Stephen Lillie congratulated the Minister of Defence and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue and be upgraded.

Moreover, the Minister of Defence had a meeting with the UNFICYP Commander Cheryl Pearce during which they discussed issues related to the good services of the Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Minister of Defence stressed the concerns of the Republic of Cyprus about the continuous violations of Turkey on land, sea and air.

The Commander of the Peacekeeping Force assured that she would continue the efforts to reduce tensions in the context of the United Nations mission in Cyprus, the Defence Ministry press release concludes.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkish drill ship “Yavuz” arrived last April in the exclusive economic zone (ΕΕΖ) of Cyprus, after Ankara announced another attempt to drill a well in blocks licensed to European companies. This is the 6th time Turkey attempts to drill within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, this time in an area that covers part of exploration blocks 6 and 7, which have been licensed to ENI and TOTAL.
In a statement on May 15, EU Foreign Ministers deplored the fact that Turkey has not yet responded to EU calls to cease such activities and reiterated their call on Ankara to show restraint, refrain from such actions, and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, in accordance with international law. EU Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed previous Council and European Council conclusions, notably those of June 2019 and October 2019 on Turkey’s continued illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.