Turkish Foreign Minister visits occupied Cyprus ahead of tripartite meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted a working visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus on November 6, 2026, meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, 'prime minister' Unal Ustel, and 'foreign minister' Tahsin Ertugruloglu. The visit occurred just days before a scheduled November 9 tripartite meeting involving the leaders and UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's support for a two-state solution, emphasizing sovereign equality and equal international status for Turkish Cypriots as a prerequisite for any resolution.

Simultaneously, the Republic of Cyprus issued a formal complaint to the UN regarding Turkish maritime activities, specifically subsea research conducted by the Oruç Reis and other vessels between October 1 and 25, 2026, aimed at facilitating a planned gas pipeline to the occupied areas. Nicosia condemned these actions as violations of its sovereignty and international law. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue regarding the potential opening of four border crossings and demining proposals put forward by the UN envoy. While Nicosia has responded positively to these measures, the Turkish side has yet to provide a definitive answer, maintaining the current impasse.