Ertuğruloğlu: Official Status for Talks Between Turkey and Southern Cyprus Impossible

Speaking to the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK) regarding informal interactions involving Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the 5th European Political Community Summit in Budapest, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ertuğruloğlu emphasized Turkey's non-recognition of South Cyprus.

He noted that informal encounters between Turkish and South Cyprus officials have occurred before but should not be given undue importance. Ertuğruloğlu reaffirmed that there has been no change in Turkey's or the Turkish Cypriot side's stance on Cyprus, stressing the need for recognition of inherent rights, sovereign equality, and equal international status.

Addressing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens, Ertuğruloğlu highlighted Fidan's remarks that there is no current negotiation process due to deep differences and the proven ineffectiveness of the federation model. He reiterated the necessity for an agreement based on the existence of two distinct peoples and states on the island.

Ertuğruloğlu accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of portraying informal discussions as political gains to cover its declining standing in the international arena, pointing to increasing discomfort over the two-state policy supported by Turkey.