Greece and Cyprus agree on common approach to Turkey

Greece and Cyprus agreed on a common response to Turkey’s foreign policy approach on issues such as the occupation of the island and illegal drilling among others, following a meeting on Tuesday between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.

Following their meeting, both leaders issued a joint communique which noted that Anastasiades briefed the Greek PM on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue.

The briefing included the Cypriot President's unofficial meeting with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on August 9 and their alignment in principle on the terms of reference, as well as the efforts of the UN Secretary General's special envoy for Cyprus, Jane Holl Lutte for an agreement on the terms of reference that will allow talks to resume, as well as the problems raised by Turkey afterwards.

Both Greece and Cyprus noted that there has been a detailed briefing on Turkey's aggressive and illegal actions in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and national waters and against Famagusta, as well as expressions of extreme intransigence during an illegal visit by Turkish Foreign Minister, Melvut Cavusoglu to the occupied territories.

The two leaders expressed their stern opposition and concern over Turkey's illegal actions in the sea and its plans and announcements for the Famagusta area, while they agreed on a common handling in response to illegal Turkish actions.

They also expressed their shared position that Turkey must stop such actions and contribute to creating an appropriate climate for talks.

"The Greek Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Cyprus reiterated their absolutely willingness to resume the substantive negotiations that will lead to a viable and functional solution for Cyprus without guarantees and foreign troops, based on the international law and in accordance with UN resolutions and treaties, as well as the principles and rules of the European Union," the joint communique said.