Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership have introduced a significant shift in their long-standing policy regarding the Cyprus issue. This new strategy advocates for fostering cooperation between the island's two distinct communities without pursuing a comprehensive political settlement. This "cooperation without solution" approach aims to bypass traditional reunification dialogues and concentrate on practical inter-entity engagement.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has articulated this strategic pivot, emphasizing the recognition of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an equal partner in international agreements. Turkish Cypriot representatives are asserting their status as "co-founders with sovereign rights," demanding a voice in future deliberations, particularly concerning the exploitation of Eastern Mediterranean natural gas reserves. Proposals for joint management and revenue sharing are being circulated, even in the absence of a definitive peace accord.
Central to this revised approach are concepts like a "Cooperation Mechanism" or a "Cooperation Council." These envisioned bodies would facilitate collaboration through existing technical committees, focusing on areas such as hydrocarbon exploration and coordination on matters of mutual interest. This effectively suggests the creation of a loose confederation between two separate states. Turkey is also actively promoting an Eastern Mediterranean energy conference that would include the TRNC alongside the Republic of Cyprus, aiming to enhance the international standing of the breakaway entity.
Foreign Minister Fidan has explicitly called for "freezing" political disagreements to prioritize economic collaboration in vital sectors like energy, tourism, and industry. He suggests that a two-state solution could lead to new forms of cooperation or political unity between them. This sentiment highlights Ankara's consistent advocacy for a two-state resolution, arguing that previous settlement blueprints involving power and wealth sharing were rejected by the Greek Cypriot administration.
The implications of this strategic shift are substantial, potentially signaling a move away from the long-pursued goal of a bizonal, bicommunal federation towards a model that formalizes the island's existing division. This strategy also appears designed to delay progress in the UN-led peace process. By championing parallel moves and a "third way," Ankara and its Turkish Cypriot allies aim to assert the will and rights of Turkish Cypriots in international dealings, while simultaneously advancing Turkey's broader geopolitical ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape. The ultimate objective is to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and initiate meaningful cooperation, allowing for economic development and regional growth while the political issue remains unresolved. This presents a formidable challenge to the Republic of Cyprus and its international partners, potentially reshaping the island's enduring division.