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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted Saturday that any renewed negotiations on the Cyprus issue must take place between two sovereign states, rather than between communities, emphasizing the principle of sovereign equality.
"Until a solution that reflects the realities of the island is reached, we will not engage with or trade with the Greek Cypriot Administration," Erdogan said during a speech at the opening of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidential Complex and Republic Assembly in Lefkosa.
Erdogan also emphasized Türkiye’s strong support for the Turkish Cypriots, warning that those trying to "obstruct their development" would face Ankara’s solidarity with Lefkosa. "We are aware that there are those whose hatred and vengeance are so intense that they would expel the Turks not only from the island but even from Anatolia if they could," Erdogan said.
“We will not allow the unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of the Turkish Cypriot people to be undermined; we will act with patience, composure, and common sense,” Erdogan added. “These lands are a powerful symbol of our glorious past, spirit of struggle, and deep-rooted heritage.”
Erdogan stated that under the 2024 economic and financial cooperation agreement between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Türkiye, an allocation of ₺15.9 billion ($412.16 billion) had been provided. He added that this year’s agreement increased that amount to approximately ₺21 billion. "Those who are eager to block the development of the Turkish Cypriots will be met with Türkiye’s unmatched solidarity," he said.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidential Complex and Republic Assembly in Lefkosa spans an area of 25,210 square meters (271,469 square feet). The presidential building includes two conference halls for 600 people, a reception hall for 400, 52 offices, 10 meeting rooms, a cafeteria, a dining hall, and parking space for 109 vehicles.
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.
Ethnic attacks starting in the early 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots to withdraw into enclaves for their safety. In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece’s annexation of the island led to Türkiye’s military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence. As a result, the TRNC was founded in 1983.
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 UK.
The Greek Cypriot administration entered the EU in 2004, the same year that Greek Cypriots single-handedly blocked a UN plan to end the longstanding dispute.
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