Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud expressed full support for Cyprus amid ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean following a meeting with the country’s Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday.
Prince Faisal stressed the depth of relations between the two countries, and the keenness to develop them in several fields to serve the common interests of both nations.
“The Kingdom is following with great interest the current developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region, is showing its concern for security and stability there, and stresses its full support for the sovereignty of Cyprus over its territories.”
The Prince then said Saudi Arabia “calls on all parties to abide by and adhere to Security Council resolutions to resolve disputes, to avoid escalation, to respect the rules of international law and not to interfere in the internal affairs of states or attempts to impose the status quo by force, as that does not serve international peace, security and stability in this region.”
Christodoulides had earlier met with King Salman, with whom he discussed ways of enhancing and developing bilateral relations between the two countries. The two officials also reviewed regional and international issues of common concern.
Cyprus has been angered by Turkey’s bid to drill for natural gas amid heightened tensions over energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.
On Sunday, Cyprus accused Turkey of flouting international law in sending ships to drill inside an exploration area that is already licensed to the energy companies Eni of Italy and Total of France.