Petrides: Cypriot position on Kosovo-Metohija unchanged, ties with Serbia strong

BELGRADE - Cyprus's position of non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo is unchanged and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are inalienable and unquestionable for us, Cypriot Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said at the end of a two-day visit to Serbia.

In an interview for the RTS, Petrides said Cyprus's position on the Kosovo-Metohija issue was clear.

"We, of course, support integrity and always abide by the rules and regulations of EU member states: international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) - maritime law. We support Serbia on Kosovo-Metohija," he said, noting that Serbia supported Nicosia on the Cyprus issue.

He said bilateral relations with Serbia were characterised by stability, a high degree of mutual understanding and trust. "We are countries that think alike. We have had excellent and strong ties for a long time.

Besides areas such as culture and religion, we also have very good cooperation in the field of military equipment," Petrides said, noting that Cyprus had recently purchased a Serbian-made Nora artillery system.