The Office of the President has urged UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet with President Ersin Tatar during his visit to Cyprus.

A statement from the presidency emphasized that as a guarantor power, the UK has an obligation to treat both sides of the island equally.

In a written statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the President acknowledged that Starmer is scheduled to make an official visit to the Greek Cypriot Administration.

This marks his second meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides in five months, following an earlier meeting in London in October.

President Tatar, through his Special Representative Güneş Onar, reached out to UK authorities to request a meeting with Starmer, highlighting the opportunity to present the perspective of the Turkish Cypriot side directly.

The statement expressed hope that Starmer, known for his pragmatic approach, would seize this chance to engage with both communities on the island.

The presidency criticized the UK for its perceived bias, noting that any failure to engage with both sides undermines trust-building efforts and meaningful cooperation.

It further warned that treating one side preferentially emboldens the Greek Cypriot leadership to persist in rejecting power-sharing and perpetuating isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

Recalling the 2004 referendums on the Annan Plan, the statement noted that the Greek Cypriot side’s rejection of the UN-backed comprehensive settlement led then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to call for an end to the unfair isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

The presidency concluded with a direct appeal to Starmer, urging him to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to equality and cooperation through actions, not just words.

“We hope that Prime Minister Starmer will meet with President Tatar, affirming the UK’s recognition of the equal status of both sides and its support for a sustainable future for Cyprus,” the statement read.