President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday said he “strongly” condemns the latest missile attack launched by Iran on the United Arab Emirates after large fires were reported in the country’s Fujairah oil industry zone.

“I strongly condemn the missile and drone attacks against the UAE. I express my full solidarity with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the people of the UAE,” he said.

He added that Cyprus “stands firmly with the UAE and our regional partners, committed to deescalation, full respect of international law, and the promotion of peace and stability”.

“The security of the region is inextricably linked to the security of Europe,” he said.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had published a similar message, saying that “our partner, the UAE, was once again the target of … vicious missiles and drone attacks originating from Iran”.

“These attacks are unacceptable and constitute a clear violation of sovereignty and international law. Security in the region has direct consequences for Europe … so we will keep working closely with our partners on de-escalation and diplomatic resolution, to bring to an end the Iranian regime’s brutal actions,” she said.

Likewise, European Council President Antonio Costa expressed “full solidarity” with the UAE “following Iran’s unjustified missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure”.

“These violations of sovereignty and international law are unacceptable and need to stop. Iran must engage in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East holds,” he said.

He added that the EU “will continue to work with our partners toward de-escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a lasting diplomatic solution for regional security”.