Speaking at a joint press conference with the U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden at Çankaya Presidential Palace, Turkish Prime Minister Yıldırım stated that the previous missed opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem must not repeated this time around. The Prime Minister urged the Greek-Cypriot administration in particular not to miss this chance.

Yıldırım stated: “The Turkish Cypriot side has always been in favour of a solution, despite struggling under the isolations and embargoes for many years. They have always supported the solution, and will do so this time as well. Nobody should have any concerns about this. We should also keep in mind that even if there is an agreement it will be subjected to a referendum.”

Speaking at the joint press conference, the U.S. Vice-President Biden stated that negotiations are aimed at reuniting the island under a federal solution. Issues related to ensuring the energy security in the region were also discussed during his visit, and he announced that Turkey and the United States would continue to meet with both leaders in Cyprus.