Türkiye has welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ efforts to advance dialogue on Cyprus island but said prospects for a settlement remain blocked by what it described as the Greek Cypriot side’s “intransigent stance.”
In a statement issued by Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli on Wednesday in response to Guterres’ remarks following a trilateral meeting with the leaders on the island, the ministry praised the UN chief’s engagement since taking office and expressed support for the cooperation process launched in 2025.
“We commend the efforts exerted by H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, on the Cyprus issue since the beginning of his tenure,” the statement said.
The ministry said that, in the absence of common ground between the two sides, prioritising progress in key areas of cooperation under the UN-led process would help build confidence.
At the same time, Ankara argued that a settlement would remain out of reach unless the Greek Cypriot Administration changes its position and halts actions that undermine regional security.
