Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that there is a possibility of a new round of talks in Cyprus and noted that the current Greek Cypriot administration was in a more “peaceful” atmosphere compared to previous ones.

“If they continue this peaceful atmosphere and say ‘Yes’ to protecting the sovereign equal rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without succumbing to provocations, including the European Union, then why not,” Erdoğan said.

He also reiterated that the recognition of the sovereign equality of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by the Greek Cypriot side was a prerequisite for returning to the negotiating table.

Answering journalists’ questions on his return trip from Azerbaijan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that he had carried out his first official visits to the TRNC and Azerbaijan after the May 28 election, holding productive talks with both President Ersin Tatar and President İlham Aliyev.

Stating that they had once again stressed the strong bond between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus during his visit to the TRNC, he explained that they discussed bilateral issues as well as the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue.

Referring to the joint efforts carried out to ensure the provision of state services to the Turkish Cypriots despite the unjust and unlawful embargoes they face, Erdoğan said, “We discussed the steps taken and will continue to make the TRNC a centre of attraction in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Türkiye, we will continue to do our part to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots and to establish peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Reiterating that the protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, who are an integral part of the island, will continue to be their priority while building the Century of Türkiye, the Turkish President stated that he expressed his determination to President Tatar and they have decided to continue working together in the future processes.

In response to a question as to whether there could be a new round of talks in Cyprus and whether there is any demand from the Greek Cypriots or other circles in this regard; President Erdoğan noted that the current Greek Cypriot administration was more inclined towards peace compared to the previous administration.

“If they continue this peaceful atmosphere and protect the sovereign equality of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without succumbing to provocations, especially from the European Union and other circles, if they say ‘Yes,’ why wouldn’t we?” Erdoğan said and stressed that the recognition of the sovereign equality of the TRNC by the Greek Cypriot side was a prerequisite.

He also recalled his meetings with Greece in Bürgenstock, Switzerland during his prime ministry, mentioning that the promises made at that time were not fulfilled.

“Back then, they promised us, they said, ‘If the result of the referendum leads to a solution, we, as the European Union, will be by your side.’ But unfortunately, they did not stand by Northern Cyprus; instead they immediately included the South in the European Union, leaving the North out. Since that day, it has been the same; the European Union is not honest. 50 years have passed and the European Union is still in the same place, nothing has changed. We need to reassess these issues and examine them thoroughly” Erdoğan added.