The Turkish Ministry of National Defence’s Press and Public Relations Advisor Captain Zeki Aktürk stated that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to resolutely protect the rights and interests of Türkiye in the Aegean the Mediterranean and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and said, “We emphasize that two sovereign, equal and independent states is the only possible solution in Cyprus.”

Speaking during a briefing Navy Captain Zeki Aktürk touched upon issues relating to the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.

He stated that Türkiye is in favour of solving all problems through peaceful methods, mutual respect and dialogue in accordance with international law, good neighbourly relations and the spirit of alliance.

“We hope that the positive momentum we have achieved in our bilateral relations in recent months will continue in the coming period, that the channels of dialogue will be kept open and that the Turkish and Greek people will live in peace, prosperity and security by making fair use of the riches of the region. We hope that the Aegean Sea will be a ‘sea of friendship’ between Türkiye and Greece,” Aktürk said.

On the Cyprus issue, Aktürk pointed to the two state solution model put on the table by President Ersin Tatar.

“We emphasize that two sovereign, equal and independent states is the only solution possible in Cyprus,” Aktürk said.