US Vice President Joe Biden has pledged to encourage all states in the region of Cyprus to pursue a mutually beneficial approach to developing energy resources, according to a statement issued after a telephone conversation between Biden and President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.
According to the readout, Biden and President Anastasiades discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Cyprus as well as regional developments.
`The Vice President expressed his concerns over renewed tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and reiterated that the United States respects the Republic of Cyprus` sovereignty and right to develop resources in its exclusive economic zone, in keeping with customary international law. He also expressed his hope that tensions will be de-escalated through ongoing diplomatic efforts and pledged to encourage all states in the region to pursue a mutually beneficial approach to developing energy resources`, it says.
According to the readout, `the two leaders agreed on the need to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality and expressed their support for the good offices of UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide`.
