President Erdoğan, UK’s May discuss Cyprus by phone

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Theresa May on July 3 to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues including the recent Cyprus talks, according to a presidential source.        

Erdoğan and May highlighted the importance of reaching “a fair, lasting and comprehensive solution for both sides” by overcoming the deadlock in the Cyprus negotiations, the source said.     
   
The U.N. is seeking a peace deal to unite Cyprus under a federal umbrella, which could also define the future of Europe’s relations with Turkey, a key player in the conflict.    
   
The Eastern Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island’s Turks, and Ankara’s intervention as a guarantor power.        

The two leaders also confirmed their determination to enhance bilateral relations, especially economic and defense industry ties. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.        

May also condemned the recent killings of ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) figures in the country and conveyed her condolences to Erdoğan, the source added.        

“The prime minister offered her condolences following the killings of the president’s party colleagues in the southeast of Turkey this weekend. They agreed this kind of brutality only strengthens our resolve to work together to tackle terrorism, and noted countering extremism would be a key topic for discussion at this week’s G20 summit in Hamburg,” an emailed statement from her office said.