Christodoulides and Erdogan discuss Cyprus issue during rare meeting

·

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides had an unexpected meeting over coffee during an EU summit in Hungary on Thursday, Greek Cypriot officials reported.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan joined them, followed later by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, according to a post on X by Greek Cypriot Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Christodoulides described their informal discussion, during which he repeatedly emphasised to Erdogan that any resumption of Cyprus talks must be grounded in relevant UN resolutions.

“Anything outside that framework cannot even be discussed,” Christodoulides said he conveyed to Erdogan.

Cyrpus President Nikos Christodoulides
Cyrpus President Nikos Christodoulides. Photo: philenews.

He added that Cyprus is willing to contribute constructively to EU-Turkey relations, but stressed that Turkey’s path to EU membership requires “substantive developments” on the Cyprus issue.

The meeting was not prearranged, and interactions between Turkey and Greek Cypriot leaders are rare, often occurring only by chance. The two nations lack diplomatic relations due to longstanding conflicts and the island’s division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Photos from the encounter showed Erdogan and Christodoulides, along with other officials, seated around a low coffee table in a conference hall.

In Athens, officials reported that the discussion touched on the US presidential election and global issues.

Source: Cyprus Mail.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

SEKA Victoria screen the documentary ‘Journey into Cyprus – East to West’

SEKA Victoria presented the screening of the documentary film, Journey into Cyprus - East to West, on Sunday, April 28.

‘No right to speak’: Greek Foreign Minister slams Erdogan’s fresh attacks on Greece

Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has accused Greece of illegal pushbacks and of discrimination against its Muslim community.

NSW Government to deliver safety, security and resilience for faith groups

The Minns Government is granting faith groups across NSW the opportunity to apply for a share of $15 million grants for security and safety.