Anastasides and Merkel discuss Turkish drilling plans, Covid-19 exit strategies

President Nicos Anastasiades and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed on Thursday Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but also touched on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and EU issues.

Anastasiades said in a post on Twitter that he had a positive and constructive conversation with Chancellor Merkel. He added that they discussed about Covid19 exit strategies, post-pandemic tourism perspectives, enhanced cooperation between Cyprus and Germany, the MFF and the Recovery Fund.

Furthermore, he noted that he briefed Merkel on Turkey’s illegal drillings in Cyprus’ EEZ and the country’s actions in the wider region.

Current Turkish energy designs in the Cyprus EEZ target blocks 6 and 7, which the Republic of Cyprus had previously licenced to energy companies 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 and to respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus, in accordance with international law.