Critical Contact in Nicosia Ahead of Crucial Summit: Minister Fidan Emphasizes 'Two-State Solution'

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan clarified Ankara's stance once again following his contacts in the TRNC ahead of the leaders' meeting on November 9. Fidan emphasized that the key to a lasting and fair peace on the Island is sovereign equality and the side-by-side existence of two states.

In a statement following his official visit to the TRNC, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the most realistic solution to the Cyprus issue is the side-by-side existence of two states on the Island. These contacts, coming just before the critical leaders' summit planned under the facilitation of the United Nations (UN), showed that Ankara maintains its current strategy and red lines regarding negotiations.

Three Critical Meetings in Nicosia Within the scope of his Nicosia contacts, Foreign Minister Fidan held a one-on-one meeting lasting approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with President Tufan Erhürman. Subsequently meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Fidan reported that they comprehensively discussed bilateral relations as well as recent developments regarding the Cyprus issue.

Making evaluations on his social media account after the visit, Fidan reminded that the security, welfare, and development of the Turkish Cypriot people are priorities for Turkey, stating that support will continue with the responsibility of being the motherland and guarantor country. He pointed to the registration of sovereign equality and equal international status as the fundamental condition for a fair and sustainable agreement.

Sovereign Equality, Not Federation, on the Table Fidan's contacts and statements confirmed that there is no search for a return to a federation basis on the Ankara-Nicosia line. Turkey's willpower to maintain diplomatic contacts proceeds in a channel independent of its stance on the solution model. Experts point out that technical confidence-building steps, such as opening crossing points or facilitating daily life, do not eliminate the fundamental divergences in the political solution model.

Reaction from South Cyprus The visit also resonated in the Greek Cypriot Administration of South Cyprus. Director of the Press Office of the Greek Cypriot Presidency Viktor Papadopoulos criticized Fidan's visit to the TRNC, asserting that the decision-making center is directly Ankara. This approach drew backlash in political circles on the grounds that it ignores the will of the Turkish Cypriot side.

All Eyes on the Trilateral Meeting on November 9 TRNC President Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides will come together on November 9, accompanied by Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General Maria Angela Holguín. Concrete topics such as confidence-building measures and new crossing points are expected to come to the agenda at the summit.