President Ersin Tatar described the 5+1 informal summit in Geneva as productive, emphasizing that the TRNC remained firm on sovereign equality and that the idea of a federation was now completely off the table. He reiterated that, with Türkiye’s full support, a new path had been set for Cyprus.
Tatar was speaking to reporters upon his return at Ercan Airport.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference at Ercan Airport on Wednesday, President Ersin Tatar highlighted the importance of cooperation between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots in this new framework, stressing that joint initiatives benefiting both sides should be prioritized.
He expressed appreciation to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for organizing the meeting and to the Swiss government for hosting it.
President Tatar underlined the significant role played by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who accompanied the TRNC delegation throughout the two-day summit. “I fought to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, and I believe I successfully carried out this mission,” he stated.
He reiterated that since assuming office in 2020, he had pursued a new policy direction based on sovereign equality.
He thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support in ensuring this political stance was recognized. Tatar noted that while a common ground for negotiations was not found, discussions on intergovernmental cooperation between the two states in Cyprus had progressed.
Tatar revealed that one of the key topics on the agenda was the establishment of an electricity interconnection via cable, a proposal the TRNC strongly supported.
However, the Greek Cypriot administration opposed this, arguing that the matter was a concern for Türkiye and the European Union.
The president also mentioned that UN Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged the meeting as the first constructive step since Crans-Montana.
Guterres reportedly emphasized that the atmosphere had changed and that initiatives promoting cooperation between the two communities would be beneficial.
Tatar confirmed that discussions on eight key areas of cooperation were initiated, with plans for a follow-up meeting in a similar format at the end of July.
Answering reporters’ questions, Tatar stressed the importance of opening new crossing points to facilitate movement and trade.
He stated that the busiest checkpoint was Metehan and reiterated the TRNC’s proposal to open the Haspolat crossing to enhance trade under the Green Line Regulation.
He also mentioned the possibility of opening the Akıncılar checkpoint.
While four new crossing points were discussed at the summit, the specifics of the additional two locations would be clarified in the coming weeks.