Turkish leader says Cyprus settlement only possible with two states

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated that a resolution to the Cyprus issue can only be achieved on the basis of two separate states.

According to the Cumhuriyet newspaper, Erdoğan delivered the remarks in Ankara after his meeting with the newly elected leader of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tufan Erhürman.

“We will not leave the people of Northern Cyprus alone. Our position on the settlement in Cyprus is very clear. We believe that the most realistic solution to the problem is possible on the basis of the existence of two states on the island,” Erdoğan said.

Erhürman won the TRNC presidential election on October 19, with 62.76 per cent of the vote.

Speaking alongside Erdoğan, the new TRNC leader stressed that enhancing ties with Türkiye will be a priority during his tenure. “Türkiye remains one of the main actors in all efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. As before, we will continue to use Türkiye's diplomatic channels to promote the interests of our people at the UN and other international platforms. We will be heard and seen, and no one can prevent our dialogue with the world. Türkiye has been and remains our main pillar,” Erhürman stated.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared independence on November 15, 1983, following the division of the island after the 1974 conflict. To this day, it is recognised only by Türkiye. The United Nations and the wider international community regard the territory as part of the Republic of Cyprus. UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) deemed the TRNC’s declaration of independence legally invalid and urged all member states not to recognise it.

Despite lacking international recognition, the TRNC operates with its own administrative, legal, and residency structures. It continues efforts to broaden its presence internationally, with Türkiye remaining its sole diplomatic backer.

The TRNC leadership maintains that “sovereign equality” is an essential basis for any future negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus.

By Tamilla Hasanova