Turkish Foreign Minister Rejects Cyprus Federation, Urges Two-State Solution

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Northern Cyprus to reinforce Ankara's firm stance against a reunited federal island, advocating instead for a formal two-state solution based on sovereign equality. During his visit, Fidan met with local leaders including President Tufan Erhürman, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu to discuss bilateral ties and regional geopolitics.

Fidan emphasized that the international community must acknowledge the reality on the ground, asserting that the decades-old UN-backed model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation is no longer viable. He stated that international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state's equal sovereign status is a mandatory prerequisite for any sustainable peace process.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following a Turkish military intervention triggered by a Greek-backed coup. In 1983, the northern territory declared independence, though it remains recognized exclusively by Ankara. Fidan reiterated that Turkey, acting as a guarantor power, will continue to prioritize the security and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots in alignment with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's UN General Assembly appeals.