Erdogan: Equal status key to new Cyprus talks, warns against escalation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Türkiye sees no possibility of initiating new negotiations on Cyprus without ensuring equal status for both sides.

Erdogan made these remarks while speaking to journalists on his return flight from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Caliber.Az reports via foreign media

The president emphasized the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions in Cyprus. However, he warned that Türkiye would establish naval bases and maritime facilities in Northern Cyprus if necessary.

“A presidential and parliamentary administration building and a political base are being built in North Cyprus while the other side is forming a military base,” he remarked.

Erdogan condemned Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias’ comments describing Turks as “occupiers,” calling him “extremely shameless”. He urged Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to address the issue with the Greek defense chief.

The Turkish leader also cautioned the Greek South Cyprus Administration and Greece against military cooperation with Israel amid developments in the Gaza Strip and called on the US administration to pressure Israel.

Erdogan also discussed Ankara's energy sector efforts, announcing that Türkiye will deploy a 300-meter-long and 58-meter-wide floating platform to extract gas from the Sakarya field in the Black Sea.