Erdogan Renews Push for Two-State Cyprus Solution, Calls for Global Recognition of TRNC
July 20, 2025 – Lefkosa
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on the international community to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and political ties with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), urging recognition of the island’s current realities and an end to what he called “decades of injustice” against Turkish Cypriots.
Speaking at a ceremony in Lefkosa to mark the 51st anniversary of Türkiye’s 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara’s unwavering support for a two-state solution. He emphasized that the long-standing federation-based proposals, backed by the United Nations, have failed to yield results and must be left behind.
“Turkish Cypriots will continue to live freely in their homeland with Türkiye’s full support,” Erdogan stated, rejecting any efforts to revive past negotiation models that lacked support from Turkish Cypriots.
Erdogan argued that continuing to pursue unworkable solutions benefits no party and pointed to the futility of expecting different outcomes from models that have failed for over half a century.
Direct Engagement with TRNC Urged
President Erdogan called for opening direct channels of trade and transport with the TRNC, including flights, stressing that isolating Turkish Cypriots only deepens division.
He also highlighted the TRNC’s growing representation in Turkic and Islamic organizations, noting that the Greek Cypriot administration’s claims to sole authority on the island do not reflect the current political reality.
“The TRNC is no longer a side voice—it has a place in international platforms,” he said.
Marking the 1974 Operation
Erdogan reflected on the significance of the 1974 military intervention, launched in response to a Greek-backed coup that sparked violence against Turkish Cypriots. He underscored that the operation proved Turkish Cypriots would never stand alone again.
Ongoing Commitment and Development
Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s continued efforts to support Northern Cyprus economically and politically, despite international non-recognition.
“Whenever one door is shut to Turkish Cypriots, we have opened another,” he said, highlighting projects in infrastructure, tourism, and employment aimed at strengthening the TRNC.
Call for Global Realism
Referring to the failure of the 2017 peace talks in Crans-Montana and the rejection of the 2004 UN reunification plan by the Greek Cypriot side, Erdogan said it was time for the global community to acknowledge the facts on the ground.
“The reality on the island cannot be ignored any longer. Political equality and sovereignty for Turkish Cypriots must be respected,” he concluded.
