Fidan reiterates call for two-state solution in Turkish Cyprus visit

NICOSIA

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has renewed calls for a two-state solution to the long-standing Cyprus dispute.

During his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Wednesday, Fidan emphasized the potential for a brighter future on the island through this approach.

Meeting with Turkisch Cypriot President Ersin Tatar in Lefkoşa, Fidan expressed his hope for collaborative efforts between Türkiye, Greece, the Turkish Cypriot, and the Greek Cypriot administration to forge a better regional future.

He criticized attempts to revive outdated solution formulas, stating, "Ignoring the existing reality and trying to produce a solution to the Cyprus problem from 50-year-old status quo is really wasting time in vain."

Stating that the isolation that the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to for the last 50 years has “almost turned into a silent crime against humanity,” he added.

“Unfortunately, there are silent partners in this crime against humanity that is taking place in front of the eyes of the world, and many of them are doing this either knowingly or unknowingly. As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to ensure that the TRNC is minimally affected by this isolation.”

Fidan said that Türkiye, with all its institutions, will continue to increase cooperation with the Turkish Cyprus, especially in agriculture, economy, transportation, energy and telecommunications.  

Emphasizing that everyone sees the importance and registration of a two-state solution on the island and that there is no other option other than this, Fidan said that other ways have been tried but have not been successful.

He said that the two states on the island, which trust each other and respect each other's sovereignty, borders and security, can bring much more positive effects, economic development, peace, stability, and the potential to bring a tremendous contribution to the region and beyond with various cooperation models to be developed.

“However, there are many people who ignore this and do not even dare to express it, because everyone has their own domestic political concerns … The politicians in the Greek Cypriot side have their own areas of discussion. Everyone continues on their political path without breaking their own routine, by being in as safe a space as possible, and without taking risks. So, does this bring a solution to the island? It does not,” Fidan added.  

Tatar, for his part, said that the federation-based solution formula, which had failed in the 56-year negotiation process in Cyprus, was imposed on them, and emphasized that they would not accept this exhausted model that has become the status quo and that they would say "No to the status quo."

Stating that the inclusion of the Turkish Cyprus as an “observer member” in the Organization of Turkic States was an important turning point for the future of the country, Tatar thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his efforts and support in the process.

Noting that Türkiye, with its diplomacy, has built bridges even between hostile parties that cannot communicate with each other, Tatar said: “The leadership of Türkiye, which is the voice of conscience in this geography, in the face of wars, crises and human tragedies makes us proud. We are proud of all the staff of your ministry, especially you, who have shown the importance of diplomacy instead of violence to the international system.”  


Cyprus has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots despite a series of diplomatic efforts by the UN to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Türkiye, Greece, and the U.K.

As part of his visit, Fidan also met with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.