North Nicosia, 14 Nov 2025 (TRNC PIO)

In a significant first overseas trip since his election, the new President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tufan Erhürman, held high-level talks in Ankara, culminating in a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The meeting, described by both leaders as highly productive, centered on the long-standing Cyprus issue. President Erdoğan firmly reiterated his belief that the most realistic path to a solution is through the peaceful coexistence of two separate states on the island.

"Our stance has always been clear," Erdoğan stated, addressing reporters. "We will never leave the Turkish Cypriot people alone in their just struggle." He expressed frustration with the Greek Cypriot side, accusing them of refusing to share power and prosperity with their Turkish Cypriot neighbors.

Echoing this sentiment, President Erhürman emphasized the "unshakeable bonds of brotherhood" between the TRNC and Türkiye. He vowed to make strengthening this unique relationship a top priority of his presidency. Erhürman also stood firm on the status of Turkish Cypriots, describing their position as one of two equal founding partners on the island—a status he stated is "not open to discussion or bargaining."

A Day of Diplomacy 

President Erhürman's visit also included a poignant meeting with the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş. At the Grand National Assembly, Erhürman began by offering his sincere condolences to the Turkish nation for the recent loss of soldiers, expressing his sympathy to the families of the fallen.

Both leaders reflected on the special relationship between their two states, with Kurtulmuş noting the tradition of making Türkiye the first official port of call after elections. He congratulated Erhürman on his new role and highlighted the ever-strengthening ties between the two nations.

The day of diplomacy concluded with an extended, two-hour meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The talks, held at the Minister's residence, were reported to be both constructive and cordial, underscoring the close and continuous coordination between the two governments.