Erdogan Urges Dialogue Between ‘Two States’ in Cyprus
Erdogan Advocates for Two-State Solution in Cyprus
In a recent statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to a two-state solution for the divided island of Cyprus. He emphasized that any potential future negotiations must acknowledge the Turkish Cypriot state’s sovereign equality.
During the inauguration of a new presidential complex and a parliamentary building in Turkish Cyprus, Erdogan stated, “If there is to be a new negotiation process, it will not be between two communities, but between two states with sovereign equality." This marks a significant affirmation of Türkiye’s position in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Cyprus conflict.
The newly constructed government complex, which took nearly three years to complete, was built by Türkiye’s state housing agency, TOKİ. The opening ceremony was jointly attended by Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar.
Erdogan highlighted the pressing need to end the "unjust isolation" faced by Turkish Cypriots. He asserted, “Unless the unjust isolation that Turkish Cypriots are subjected to ends, and a fair, permanent, sustainable solution that reflects the realities of the island is found, there can be no question of our addressing Greek Cyprus, conducting trade, or allowing them to use our ports."
He framed the two-state model as the "common vision" of both Türkiye and Turkish Cyprus, while also suggesting that there are entities that envy the progress made by Turkish Cyprus in terms of economic development and international visibility. Erdogan accused these detractors of attempting to hinder the region’s advancement.
This strong advocacy for the two-state approach underscores Türkiye’s longstanding support for the Turkish Cypriot position and highlights the complexities involved in reaching a consensus on the future of Cyprus.
