Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was welcomed by President Ersin Tatar during an official working visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Wednesday.
The two leaders held a private meeting, followed by delegation-level discussions, and addressed the media in a joint press conference.
Speaking during the press conference, President Ersin Tatar expressed his satisfaction in hosting Minister Fidan.
He emphasized the injustice of the current international system, where human rights are often disregarded for political interests.
“In this unjust environment, we are engaged in a significant struggle for the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. We are grateful to Türkiye, which has stood by us and mobilized its resources in this honourable journey,” said Tatar. He reiterated the ongoing efforts by both Türkiye and the TRNC to secure the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
Referring to decades of failed negotiations, Tatar criticized international actors for insisting on unviable solutions.
“We say ‘no’ to the structures that imprison the Turkish Cypriots in isolation and the status quo. A model that was rejected by the Greek Cypriots in 2004 and buried in Crans-Montana cannot be a solution,” he stated.
Tatar also announced ongoing efforts to open new crossing points between the two sides, noting that nine currently exist, with 65% of crossings taking place at the Metehan checkpoint.
He highlighted the necessity of opening the Haspolat crossing and urged the Greek Cypriot side to propose alternative solutions by a potential January 20 meeting.
Minister Hakan Fidan expressed his pleasure in visiting the TRNC and conveyed the greetings of Turkish President Erdoğan to the Turkish Cypriot people. Fidan condemned the isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots, describing it as a violation of human rights, and criticized international actors for turning a blind eye to this injustice.
“Türkiye is committed to minimizing the impact of these isolations on the Turkish Cypriots. The reality of two distinct communities and administrations on the island necessitates a two-state solution. Imposing unrealistic solutions will not lead to peace,” said Fidan.
Fidan called on the international community to support a two-state resolution and urged the Greek Cypriots to embrace this path for lasting peace. “Let us not lose the future. Together, we can build a secure and prosperous tomorrow,” he added.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of opening additional crossing points to ease movement and foster cooperation.
President Tatar revealed ongoing studies on the Haspolat crossing and expressed hope that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides would come prepared for discussions by January 20.
Looking ahead, Tatar mentioned an informal expanded meeting in Switzerland in March, involving both sides’ leaders, Türkiye, Greece, and the UK, to discuss the future of Cyprus.
The two leaders concluded by reiterating their commitment to strengthening TRNC-Türkiye cooperation and working towards international recognition of the TRNC’s sovereign equality.