U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, right, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades arrive for a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, Pool)
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UPDATED 11:55 AM PT – Sunday, September 13, 2020
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently met with leaders in Cyprus to discuss growing tensions in the region. The secretary traveled to the island on Saturday, where he signed an agreement to create a new border security and non-proliferation training center.
This center will be the administration’s latest effort to curb Turkey’s efforts to aggravate the country.
Fantastic to see Cyprus President Anastasiades today in Nicosia. The Republic of Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and we are committed to deepening our bilateral relationship. pic.twitter.com/vPlO3JVVWZ
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 12, 2020
Tensions in the area rose as ocean territory disputes pitted Turkey against Greece and Cyprus. The secretary has voiced his concerns over Turkey’s recent actions.
“We remain deeply concerned by Turkey’s ongoing operations, surveying for natural resources in areas over which Greece and Cyprus assert jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean,” he stated. “The Republic of Cyprus has the right to exploit its natural resources, including the right to its hydrocarbons found in its territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone.”
Pompeo emphasized the importance of keeping relations peaceful between Turkey and its surrounding countries. He reiterated peace is the only viable option.
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