Erdoğan Calls World to Recognise Illegal Turkish Cypriot State

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on the international community to recognise the Turkish Cypriot state and renewed his proposal for an Eastern Mediterranean conference during his address to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Erdoğan also referred to relations with Greece and Cyprus, presenting Turkey as a supporter of good-neighbourly relations and international law in the Aegean while reiterating his proposal for an “Eastern Mediterranean Conference”.

Athens has consistently viewed the proposal as an attempt to broaden discussions beyond the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Erdoğan calls for recognition of Turkish Cypriot state

Erdoğan then turned to the Cyprus issue, calling on the international community to officially recognise the Turkish Cypriot state, which Turkey refers to as the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC).

He called for “sovereign equality” for Turkish Cypriots and demanded an end to what he described as their “inhumane isolation”.

The position challenges the UN-backed framework for resolving the Cyprus dispute and comes as efforts continue to revive negotiations between the two communities on the island.

Erdoğan highlights Turkey’s security role

Beyond Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus, Erdoğan sought to highlight Turkey’s wider geopolitical and security role, presenting the country as a “centre of stability” and pointing to the development of its defence industry.

Referring to the recent NATO summit in Ankara, Erdoğan argued that Europe cannot become stronger or safer while excluding Turkey from its security architecture.

He also highlighted Turkey’s role in the Balkans, referring to the country’s historical ties with the region and promoting a “Balkan Peace Platform”.

Greece monitors Turkey’s statements

Greek diplomatic officials are closely monitoring Ankara’s statements.

Greek diplomatic sources said proposals for recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state and a two-state solution remain unacceptable to Greece. They said such positions conflict with UN Security Council resolutions and will not be accepted by Greece or Cyprus.

The Greek position remains that any settlement of the Cyprus issue must operate within the framework established by relevant UN resolutions.

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