EU’s Warning: Appointment of 12 Billion Euros Ambassador Raises Concerns for Turkish States
Turkish States Face Threat of Aid for Appointing Ambassadors to Greek Cypriot Section
The recent diplomatic decisions made by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in favor of the Greek Cypriot Section have sparked controversy within the Turkish States Organization. These countries, which are members of the organization where Turkey plays a significant role, have historically had relations with the Greek Cypriot Section of Southern Cyprus.
Since as early as 1992, countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have recognized the Greek Cypriot Section, while Uzbekistan established diplomatic ties in 1997 and 2007. Most recently, Kazakhstan appointed its first ambassador to the Greek Section in January 2025, with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan following suit in the past year.
These decisions were solidified during the EU-Middle Asian summit in Samarkand, where joint statements were signed in support of the Greek Cypriot Section’s position on the island. The move has raised questions about the motives behind these Central Asian countries’ support for the statement.
Reports suggest that the support may have been influenced by the threat of losing out on 12 billion euros in aid and investment, as well as potential consequences related to partnership negotiations with the EU. This pressure from the EU has prompted speculation about the future steps these countries may take in relation to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Despite the backlash from Turkey and concerns about escalating tensions with the TRNC, Central Asian countries are not expected to reverse their stance under EU pressure. However, there may be new initiatives on the horizon, such as the possibility of the TRNC establishing a diplomatic presence in Uzbekistan.
The situation remains fluid, and the implications of these diplomatic decisions on the broader regional dynamics are yet to be fully understood. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
