Diplomatic tensions arise during COP31 summit in Antalya

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, became the site of a notable diplomatic incident. Upon the arrival of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan left the reception area, effectively avoiding a welcome encounter. While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was present to greet arriving leaders, the Turkish President’s departure meant he did not share a frame with the Cypriot President. Diplomatic sources have characterized Erdogan’s actions as a sign of contempt toward the United Nations.

Prior to the incident, President Christodoulides met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the Cyprus problem and broader EU-Turkey relations. Other bilateral meetings held by Christodoulides included engagements with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Chinese Environment Minister Huang Runqiu. Reports indicate that the Turkish government had initially sought to avoid inviting the Cypriot President to the summit, having sent a personal invitation to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman instead. President Christodoulides was scheduled to deliver a speech later on the same day as part of the leaders' summit program.