France urges Ankara to avoid provocations in Cyprus waters

France has urged Turkish authorities to avoid engaging in provocative action and pointed out that Cyprus can count on the solidarity and support of France and the European Union.

"With Turkey announcing that it is about to continue drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, some of which falls within the Republic of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, France reiterates its unwavering commitment to compliance with international maritime law and Cyprus’s sovereignty", says a press release issued by the French Foreign Ministry.

''France urges the Turkish authorities to avoid engaging in a provocative act that is clearly counter to international law and which can only increase tensions in a region that is in need of stability.''

"The Republic of Cyprus can count on the solidarity and support of France and the European Union as expressed by the High Representative, Mrs Mogherini", the statement reads.

Mr. Christodoulides will hold discussions today with Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Amélie de Montchalin, the Secretary of State for European Affairs.

According to the statement, following the visit to Cyprus in September 2018 and in the wake of the visit of the President of the Republic to Nicosia on 29 January, the ministers will discuss bilateral issues and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean in the field of defense and energy.

''The ministers will discuss the importance of the bilateral relationship, its strategic nature for the two countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and its expansion in the areas of defense and energy''.