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00:12 GMT
PARIS, Sept 22 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed Tuesday to continue dialogue on issues relative to the Eastern Mediterranean which have led to angry exchanges and tensions between the two sides.
Macron's office said in a statement that the two leaders spoke by phone earlier in the day and addressed Eastern Mediterranean sovereignty issues, Syria and Libya.
During an hour-long call, Macron "welcomed the launch of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey on their differences," which concern maritime rights and gas exploration, among other issues.
Macron said he hoped similar "good faith" dialogue could take place also between Turkey and Cyprus.
The French leader also " reiterated his constant readiness for dialogue and the interest he attaches to a solid relationship between the European Union and Turkey, on a clear basis that respects everyone's interests," the Elysee Palace said.
In this respect, he urged Turkey "to fully respect the sovereignty of the Member States of the European Union as well as international law, to refrain from any new unilateral action likely to provoke tensions, and to engage without ambiguity in the construction of an area of peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean".
Macron additionally asked Erdogan to fully respect the arms embargo in Libya within the framework defined by the United Nations, and to respect the security interests" of France's Kurdish and Arab allies in north-east Syria.
Further contacts between the two leaders and their Foreign Ministers were agreed in the phone call. (end)
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