Türkiye welcomed the United Nations’ ongoing efforts to encourage dialogue on the Cyprus issue but said prospects for a lasting settlement remain limited due to what it described as the Greek Cypriot administration’s uncompromising approach. The statement came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ trilateral meeting with the island’s leaders as diplomatic contacts continue under UN facilitation.
Ankara supports UN dialogue
In a statement released by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli, Ankara praised Guterres for his continued engagement since taking office and expressed support for the cooperation framework launched in 2025. The ministry said strengthening practical cooperation between the two sides, despite the lack of common political ground, could help build confidence and maintain dialogue.
The statement added that negotiations are unlikely to produce meaningful results unless the Greek Cypriot administration revises its current position and refrains from actions that Türkiye believes undermine regional stability and security.
Settlement should reflect realities on the island
Reaffirming its long-standing policy, Türkiye said proposals that have repeatedly failed over previous decades no longer offer a viable path to resolving the Cyprus dispute. The ministry stated that any future settlement should be based on the existing realities on the island and the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality and equal international status.
As a guarantor state, Türkiye stressed that it remains committed to supporting a fair, comprehensive and sustainable solution while continuing its full backing for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Turkish Cypriot people.
Response follows Guterres’ meeting
The remarks were issued in response to comments made by Guterres following his trilateral meeting with the two Cypriot leaders. The UN has been seeking to promote confidence-building measures and revive dialogue on the decades-old Cyprus issue through renewed diplomatic engagement.