NICOSIA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus and Turkey should discuss "in good faith" their differences over marine jurisdictions in the eastern Mediterranean as a way of reducing tensions in the region, the chief diplomat of European Union (EU) urged on Thursday.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, said after talks here with Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides that efforts should be made to improve relations with Turkey through an open dialogue so as to avoid an escalation that would be detrimental to all.
He said he knew that Cyprus was also interested in improving its relations with Turkey.
"Discussed with @Christodulides (on) how to bolster regional stability and de-escalation...Turkish illegal drillings must stop. Delimitation of exclusive economic zones contested by Turkey must be done in full respect of international law and in good faith, as proposed by Cyprus," Borrell tweeted.
The current tension between Cyprus and Turkey is relating to natural gas drilling carried out by Turkish drillship in areas that Cyprus declared as its exclusive economic zone under agreements with Israel, Lebanon and Egypt. Turkey claims that gas exploration is on its continental shelf.
Borrell, who arrived from Athens, said he came to Cyprus to hear its concerns and to work a way out "of this complicated situation."
"In relation to Turkish drillings, EU continuously displays unwavering support and solidarity with Cyprus...as manifested through tangible measures taken (by EU)," he added.
Cyprus's Defense Minister Savvas Angelides announced that Borrell will fly on Friday in a military helicopter over areas close to the Cypriot shores where Turkey is said to be carrying out drilling. Enditem
