Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s position during meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Erdogan raises Cyprus with Burnham
According to Turkey’s Directorate of Communications, Erdogan told Burnham that any formula for resolving the Cyprus problem that does not recognise the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of Turkish Cypriots cannot produce results.
The two leaders met in New York on Tuesday, with discussions also covering Turkey-UK relations and regional and international issues. Ankara said bilateral cooperation could be expanded further, particularly in defence industry and trade.
The issue has particular relevance given the UK’s role as one of the three guarantor powers for Cyprus.
Cyprus also discussed with Guterres
Earlier, Erdogan met Guterres at UN headquarters, where the Cyprus problem was also discussed alongside the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.
The UN said the two leaders exchanged views on Cyprus but did not provide further details.
The Turkish side said Erdogan conveyed the same position on sovereign equality and equal international status for Turkish Cypriots during the meeting.
Erdogan had also raised the issue in his address to the General Assembly, calling for international recognition and the establishment of political, diplomatic and economic relations with the Turkish Cypriot administration.
Cyprus talks remain a focus in New York
The meetings come as diplomatic activity around the Cyprus problem intensifies during the UN General Assembly week.
President Nikos Christodoulides is also meeting officials in New York, while UN Cyprus envoy Maria Angela Holguin has continued contacts with the two sides. The UN has said it is continuing its efforts on the Cyprus problem.
The latest contacts follow UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Cyprus in July and preparations for a possible expanded meeting involving the two sides, the three guarantor powers and the UN once sufficient progress has been made on confidence-building measures, methodology and the substance of negotiations.
Also read: What is the UN General Assembly and what does it mean for Cyprus?
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