Turkey Blames Greek Cypriot Side for Stalling Cooperation Efforts in Cyprus

Keçeli recalled that the meeting was a follow-up to March's Geneva summit, where six areas of potential cooperation between the two sides were identified. These include environmental initiatives, youth engagement, cultural restoration, mine clearance, new border crossings, and solar energy production in the buffer zone.

Keçeli noted that while progress had been made in forming a youth technical committee, cemetery restorations, and environmental issues—including climate change—discussions on border crossings and energy cooperation remain deadlocked due to the Greek Cypriot side’s refusal to compromise.

Despite the Turkish Cypriot side accepting a United Nations proposal on new crossing points, Keçeli said the Greek Cypriot side continuously introduced new preconditions and revived rejected proposals, making an agreement impossible. He also claimed the Greek Cypriot leadership is solely responsible for obstructing solar energy projects in the buffer zone.

"Even the smallest of gains are only achieved with great effort in an environment where the Greek Cypriot side refuses to even utter the word 'cooperation'," Keçeli stated. He lamented the lack of progress on opening new crossing points, calling it "regrettable" and suggesting it reflects why a federal solution is no longer feasible.

The New York meeting also resulted in an agreement between Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides to explore four new areas of collaboration: civil society engagement, cultural artifact exchange, air quality monitoring, and microplastic pollution.

Keçeli confirmed that these discussions will continue on the island with the support of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin. He added that a trilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and both Cypriot leaders is expected on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, followed by another informal expanded meeting by year’s end.

“Turkey will continue its efforts, in close consultation with the Turkish Cypriot side, to foster a culture of cooperation between the two peoples on the island,” Keçeli affirmed.