President Nikos Christodoulides and his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayen Al Nahyan on Friday held a telephone call in which they both agreed on the need to de-escalate the crisis in Syria.

Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the pair had “discussed the situation in Syria and how it is evolving, with the possible consequences and implications which may exist for the wider region”.

He added that they had “expressed their concern about the escalating conflict” and “agreed on the need to take initiatives and actions which can contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis”.

“The two leaders agreed to remain in constant contact, closely monitoring developments,” he said.

The call came as rebel forces in Syria advanced southwards from the city of Hama towards Homs, the last major city on the road to the capital Damascus.

Homs is Syria’s third-largest city, with the country’s second city Aleppo having already fallen to rebel forces last week.

On Tuesday, Cyprus’ foreign ministry warned the country’s citizens to “avoid all travel” to Syria, saying it is “closely monitoring the deterioration of the situation” as “the security situation in the country may deteriorate further without warning”.

It also said that all Cypriots wishing to leave Syria are “strongly encouraged to do so by road via Lebanon, where commercial flights to Cyprus are available.

“In addition, Cypriot citizens in Syria are advised to avoid travel to areas where there are hostilities, as well as all gatherings and demonstrations, and to remain vigilant,” it added.

It also said that Cypriots in Syria should “closely monitor developments and information from international and local media, avoid unnecessary travel and apply maximum security measures”.

The warning was issued a day after the ministry called for the “utmost restraint” from the warring parties in Syria.

It said it has “persistently supported United Nations Security Council resolution 2254”, which was adopted in December 2015 and calls for a ceasefire and a political settlement to the Syrian civil war.

“We call for the utmost restraint and that international humanitarian law is fully respected, especially as regards civilians, including minority groups,” it added.