Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that it should now be clear that the page on Cyprus’ “reunification” is closed, but that progress towards a solution remains possible.

In an interview with Greek newspaper Ta Nea ahead of his visit to Athens, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pointed out that there is currently no ongoing negotiation process on the Cyprus issue, as there are significant disagreements over what could be negotiated.

He noted that the United Nations has also recorded the absence of common ground between the parties.

Fidan explained that the upcoming broad-format informal meetings would allow for discussions on what could be done moving forward, rather than addressing the unresolved issues of the past.

He stressed that the “reunification” of Cyprus has reached its conclusion, but that it is still possible to move forward with a solution.

Fidan highlighted the need for different approaches to finding a solution, noting, “Political issues are not like the laws of physics. If one path to a solution is not possible, another path should be pursued. As the Turkish side, we are doing this. Therefore, we need to base any solution on the realities of the island. There are two separate peoples and two separate states. These peoples can live side by side as neighbours and cooperate. How they achieve this will be decided together by the two peoples. What is needed is a new spirit that ensures the wealth, security, freedom, peace, and sovereignty of both the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on the island.”

Fidan also pointed out that relations between Türkiye and Greece have gained positive momentum over the past two years. Both countries’ ruling parties have received significant support from the public in their recent elections, and both leaders have demonstrated a determination to develop Türkiye-Greece relations with this mandate.

He highlighted that Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has proposed a vision of unity and solidarity in the face of international crises, and has committed to transforming the Aegean into a sea of peace.