EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Cyprus Situation at Luncheon

The foreign ministers of the European Union met for a working lunch to discuss relations between the EU and Turkey, as well as the situation in Cyprus. This meeting in Brussels marked the first time in five years that Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was present. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, provided a summary of the informal discussions.

Josep Borrell highlighted that Turkey is a candidate country for EU membership and expressed hope that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation would help address complex issues in their bilateral relations.

“We examined various issues complicating our relations, including those related to the Middle East, but particularly the situation in Cyprus, which is frequently mentioned by many EU member states,” stated Borrell.

He expressed optimism that inviting Turkey’s Foreign Minister to the meeting would be a first step toward resuming dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, especially regarding Cyprus.

“We believe that revitalizing Turkey-EU relations benefits everyone. However, we emphasized that linking the Cyprus issue with Turkey-EU relations is not a constructive approach and will not yield results,” Hakan Fidan said after the meeting.

The Turkish Foreign Minister also noted that EU membership remains a strategic goal for Ankara, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has clearly expressed this aspiration.

Cyprus also viewed the meeting positively, especially with Turkey’s participation.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Letymbiotis, who attended the luncheon in Brussels, stated that Nicosia is pleased with the meeting’s outcomes and the stance taken by most countries.

Cypriot officials are particularly satisfied with some of the comments made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who distanced himself from the harsh rhetoric of Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.

Letymbiotis mentioned that most member states made it clear that "EU-Turkey relations cannot be separated from the Cyprus issue."

The Minister also emphasized that "Nicosia continues to support Turkey’s European path, always considering specific conditions and the connection with the Cyprus issue."