President Erdoğan: “We do not recognise Southern Cyprus as a state”

President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan firmly stated “I have no intention of visiting the South. This is due to the fact that we do not recognise Southern Cyprus as a state for the same reasons that they do not recognise Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a state. Therefore, holding a meeting with them is out of the question.”

President Erdoğan made these remarks in response to journalists’ questions from during his return from the 20 July Peace and Freedom Day celebrations in Lefkosa.

President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s shared enthusiasm and joy with the Turkish Cypriots, stating that the Cyprus Peace Operation, conducted 51 years ago under the legal rights and obligations arising from international agreements, decisively thwarted the Enosis agenda.

Recalling that the heroic Turkish Armed Forces, with the support of the Turkish Cypriots and the mujahideen, brought an end to the bloodshed and suffering that had prevailed since 1963 and ensured peace and stability on the island, President Erdoğan said, “Indeed, not a single drop of blood has been shed on the island for over half a century. This climate of peace will be maintained for many years to come through Türkiye’s unwavering support, allowing the Turkish Cypriot people to continue living freely in their homeland for generations to come.”

President Erdoğan noted that he also held a meeting with President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as part of the visit, during which they reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC.

President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s endorsement of a two-state solution in Cyprus, affirmed that Türkiye acknowledges the existence of two distinct peoples and two separate states on the island, and stated:

“Meanwhile, we remain dedicated to supporting our Turkish Cypriot sisters and brothers, ensuring they are able to live in prosperity. We provide the TRNC with the necessary support in all areas through economic and financial cooperation agreements.”

In response to the question, “In commemoration of the anniversary of the massacres perpetrated by Greek Cypriots against Turkish Cypriots in 1958, leaders from the New Cyprus and United Cyprus Parties—two political parties founded in the TRNC—visited the head of the Greek Administration in Southern Cyprus. They requested that a census be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations, that international observers be present for the elections in October, and that Türkiye be reported to international institutions. What is your take on this recent visit? The head of the Greek Cypriot Administration stated that he would extend an invitation to you to visit Southern Cyprus during the upcoming EU presidency. If such an invitation were to arise, would you contemplate attending?” President Erdoğan replied, “I have no intention of paying such a visit to the South. This is due to the fact that we do not recognise Southern Cyprus as a state for the same reasons that they do not recognise TRNC as a state. Therefore, a meeting with them is out of the question for me.”

President Erdoğan emphasised that these initiatives are unorthodox and do not align with the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, adding:

“Turkish Cypriots are a piece of our soul. No one can break the bond of affection that unites us, nor can anyone label the heroic sons of Türkiye—who set foot on the island of Cyprus with the sole aim of bringing peace—as occupiers. Türkiye’s legitimate presence on the island and its guarantorship are not even subjects of discussion among the Turkish Cypriot people. While the historical facts and our national memory are apparent, the Turkish Cypriot people will undoubtedly retaliate at the ballot box for the treachery that was committed.   To date, the Greek side has consistently demonstrated that it is not interested in a resolution. They are not interested in equality or justice; rather, they seek to make the Turkish Cypriots outcasts in their own homeland. And this is being openly facilitated by certain individuals who lack discernment. The key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution, and there will be no concessions on this matter. Türkiye’s policy on Cyprus is unequivocal: we will not take part in any process that fails to guarantee the sovereign equality and security of the Turkish Cypriot people.”