“We do not recognize South Cyprus as a state”: Erdoğan

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that he does not recognize South Cyprus as a state and that the key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution, and there will be no compromise on this.

Speaking to reporters on the plane during his return to Türkiye after attending the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Türkiye’s President Erdoğan remarked that the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out 51 years ago, within the framework of rights and responsibilities stemming from international agreements, had shattered the dream of Enosis (union with Greece).

He recalled that the heroic Turkish Armed Forces, with the support of Turkish Cypriots and their fighters, had ended the bloodshed and tears that had persisted since 1963 and brought peace and stability to the island.

Erdoğan once again underlined Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC.

Erdoğan stated that Türkiye stands firmly behind the vision of a two-state solution in Cyprus and reiterated the reality that there are two separate peoples and two separate states on the island.

He continued: “We will continue our efforts to ensure that our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters live in prosperity. With economic and financial cooperation agreements, the TRNC is being supported in every area of need. As the motherland and guarantor, we will continue to stand by the Turkish Cypriots in their steps toward a prosperous future.”

Following his remarks, Erdoğan also answered questions from journalists.

When asked about visits by officials from the New Cyprus Party and United Cyprus Party to the Greek Cypriot leader in the South, and the potential invitation of the Greek Cypriot leader during the EU presidency, Erdoğan responded that he has no intention of visiting the South.

“Just as they do not recognize the TRNC as a state, we do not recognize South Cyprus as a state. Therefore, in my book, there is no place for such a meeting.”

He emphasized that these were marginal attempts that do not reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people.