Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated that the only way to return to the negotiating table to reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem was through the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He said that more than half a decade of time had been wasted because of the Greek Cypriot side’s maximalist stance.

“No one has another 50 years to waste,” said Erdoğan as he addressed reporters at the joint press conference in Lefkoşa.

Also speaking President Ersin Tatar said that Türkiye’s demonstration of support to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was of great significance.

“The Blue Homeland is in safe hands,” said Tatar, adding that the TRNC will continue on its path in harmony and consultation with motherland Türkiye.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference following his meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who carried out his first visit abroad to the TRNC following his re-election, President Ersin Tatar congratulated Erdoğan on his election victory.

He said that Erdoğan’s victory as the Turkish Republic was preparing to celebrate its centenary gave him great hope.

Pointing out that Türkiye had undergone a great transformation in the 21st century, Tatar said that the Turkish Republic, which had become a regional and global power gave great hope to the Turkic world.

Tatar added that Erdoğan’s re-election had also sent a strong message to those forces and circles which were trying to sever ties between Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot people.

He reminded that the Turkish Cypriot side had adopted a two-state policy on the Cyprus issue with the support of motherland Türkiye.

Tatar accused the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo of being insincere regarding the settlement of the Cyprus Problem, claiming that their goal was to remove the system of guarantees, Türkiye’s unilateral right of intervention and the removal of Turkish troops.

Tatar added that the Turkish Cypriot side was pursuing its two-state policy based on sovereign equality with great determination, promoting this policy at international platforms at every opportunity.

He said that the new policy was of great importance considering changing geopolitical and strategic developments in the region.

Tatar concluded his remarks by reminding the speech delivered by the Turkish President at the last UN General Assembly during which Erdoğan had said it was time the world had recognised the TRNC.

“The Blue Homeland is in safe hands,” he said, adding that they will continue to work in harmony and unity with motherland Türkiye.

Also speaking, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that the only way to solve the Cyprus issue was to establish peace in the Aegean Sea and on the island.

He called on the Greek Cypriot side to change its maximalist and uncompromising approach and recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

“Our roadmap is clear. This roadmap is built on peace. We want the Aegean Sea to become a sea of peace,” Erdoğan said, adding that there is no option other than peace to resolve the Cyprus issue.

He noted that Türkiye and the TRNC would have to start implementing different strategies if there is anyone trying to obstruct peace efforts.

The president continued by saying that Turkish Cypriots lost over half a century due to the Greek Cypriot side’s maximalist attitude.

“Nobody can tolerate losing another 50 years,” he said and added that if there is to be a return to the negotiation table on Cyprus, it will only be through the recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

He reminded that Turkish Cypriots have never been a minority in Cyprus, nor will they ever accept becoming one.

“The Turkish Cypriots have never been a minority on the island,” Erdoğan said, adding that the Greek Cypriot administration refuses to see this truth in order to have supreme sovereignty over the island.

He urged the Greek Cypriots to cast aside its obsessions and face reality.

“We shall continue to protect the rights of Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean. The peace and security of our brethren is our security and peace. We shall continue to support the TRNC. We shall ensure that Turkish Cypriots enjoy the same rights as our citizens.

The president also pledged that Ankara would ensure the transfer of electricity from Türkiye to Northern Cyprus via cable to prevent power cuts.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan departed from the TRNC on Monday evening.