Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a joint press conference in Ankara with his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide, where he addressed pressing diplomatic issues, particularly the Cyprus question and relations within the Turkic world. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s enduring support for the Turkish Cypriots, saying, “The Turkic world, as a whole, will continue to stand with the Turkish Cypriots. We will pursue our policies on this matter with patience.”

The statement comes amid a controversial development where Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan recently established diplomatic ties with the Republic of Cyprus and appointed ambassadors. These actions align with the EU’s stance and contrast sharply with Turkey’s position, which only recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Fidan stated firmly, “Those trying to manipulate and disrupt our unity with the Turkic world will not succeed.”

At the April 4 summit with the EU, the three Central Asian countries reiterated their commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550, which call on member states not to recognize the TRNC. This alignment with the EU’s position has been viewed as a setback for Turkey in the longstanding Cyprus dispute.

Despite this, Fidan emphasized that Turkey remains unwavering in defending the rights and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots. He underlined that Turkey will continue to assert its legitimate interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fidan concluded by stating that cooperation and solidarity among Turkic states will remain a strategic priority, and external influences will not disrupt these bonds.