On Thursday, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, held a telephone conversation to discuss the situation in the eastern Mediterranean region.
During the talks, President Anastasiades said: “Turkey’s drilling in the eastern Mediterranean is a violation of our exclusive economic zone”. He continued: “The European Union is also concerned over the issue and has introduced sanctions against individuals and companies involved in the drilling”.
“Turkey insists that the drilling serves the interests of the Turkish Cypriots who live in the north of the island,” he added. The two leaders also emphasized the need to improve the bilateral relations, especially in finance and investment.
The call was in the context of the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and Cyprus. Putin and Anastasiades confirmed their commitment to “further strengthen trade, economic, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.