Ankara is making a strategic move to separate the Cyprus issue from broader Greek-Turkish relations while renewing its claims over the island. This approach coincides with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’s plans to host a luncheon in October for Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, aimed at breaking the stalemate in negotiations. Guterres’s initiative notably seeks to navigate around Turkey’s demand for recognition of the breakaway Northern Cyprus, a significant hurdle in the talks.
Turkey’s actions are likely a calculated attempt to weaken the united front presented by Greece and Cyprus. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed a desire to maintain open diplomatic channels with Greece while asserting Turkey’s key interests remain in focus. Both nations seem to prefer a period of calm in the Aegean Sea; however, Greek officials insist on linking the Cyprus issue firmly with Greek-Turkish relations, making negotiations more complex.
Moreover, Ankara appears to be motivated by its European Union relations, hoping that progress in Greek-Turkish ties could potentially ease its strained relationship with the EU. Nevertheless, Cyprus remains a pivotal factor in these dynamics, making it a critical issue in EU-Turkey relations.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has suggested that discussions on Cyprus could occur, potentially under Turkish terms. Ankara has proposed a four-party meeting involving Greece, Turkey, and the two Cypriot communities as a procedural step to “break the ice.” The United Kingdom supports this idea but it has been outright rejected by Athens, which aligns closely with Nicosia’s stance against the proposal for direct Turkish-British discussions.
Meanwhile, Guterres aims to facilitate dialogue through a low-key luncheon between the two leaders, hoping it could lead to more substantial talks, possibly culminating in a five-party summit that includes Greece and Turkey. However, Turkey’s reception of such informal meetings remains uncertain, and without a change in Ankara’s position, meaningful progress appears unlikely.
In recent statements at the UN General Assembly, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s long-standing claims over Cyprus, asserting rights to its continental shelf and emphasizing Turkish Cypriots’ entitlements across the whole island. These claims date back to Turkey’s submissions made during EU-Turkey Association Council meetings, which the Republic of Cyprus deems illegal and infringing on its sovereignty.
Turkey has further emphasized its maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean through official documents submitted to international bodies, making arguments based on geographical coordinates that position their rights as extending into areas near Cyprus.
On the flip side, Cyprus President Christodoulides promoted the island’s geopolitical significance during UN discussions, emphasizing its involvement in regional crises and energy developments. He highlighted Cyprus’s humanitarian efforts and preparedness to assist in conflict situations, showcasing its strategic location amid various regional tensions.
Additionally, Cyprus is seeking to strengthen ties with neighboring countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, focusing on mutual concerns such as migration and its relationship with Syria. Energy collaboration remains a significant discussion point, with Cyprus’s activities surrounding its Exclusive Economic Zone and potential electricity interconnections drawing interest from regional partners.
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