The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has officially asked Turkey to begin direct talks about the sea border between the two countries. This request comes after Turkey recently criticised a new sea agreement between Cyprus and Lebanon. Speaking at an event, President Christodoulides stated that Cyprus always follows international sea law when making such agreements. He highlighted that, as a member of the European Union and the United Nations, Cyprus bases its actions on established legal principles.
The President explained that his government is ready to use the same legal methods with Turkey that it has successfully used with other neighbouring countries. This situation is happening against a complicated political background, where control over parts of the sea remains a major point of disagreement in the Eastern Mediterranean. Christodoulides also responded to comments from Turkish Cypriot leaders, saying that their statements would not affect the plans of the Republic of Cyprus regarding its sea rights.
On the subject of the frozen peace process, the President repeated that Cyprus is prepared to restart UN-supported negotiations. The goal is to find a final and lasting solution to the division of the island. He confirmed that even when Cyprus holds the presidency of the EU Council, the country will still have time for meaningful talks with Turkey.
At the same time, reactions from Turkish Cypriot officials show a deep difference of opinion. A senior official, Ziya Öztürkler, gave a strong response to the Greek Cypriot statements. He said that their claims do not match the current situation on the island. He referred to Turkey's long-standing military presence and settlement in the north as establishing a permanent sovereignty. His comments also connected the Turkish Cypriot community's identity to Turkey, which he sees as a necessary protector.
This exchange shows that the issue of sea borders is closely connected to the larger, unresolved political problem of Cyprus. President Christodoulides also mentioned recent talks with German leaders in Berlin. He hopes that Germany, which has good relations with Turkey, can help with mediation. As the Turkish Foreign Minister is soon visiting Germany, Cyprus is waiting to see if these high-level discussions will lead to any positive developments for their relationship with Turkey.