Greek Cypriots Aim to Invite Turkey’s FM to Gymnich Meeting

According to Fileleftheros, Greek Cypriot Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letimbiotis stated at a press briefing that the issue of inviting Fidan was discussed during a meeting between Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

The report noted that Merz appeared supportive of such an initiative by the Greek Cypriot administration and believed there was no reason for Fidan to refuse the invitation, as the Gymnich meeting is an EU-organized event. Germany, and Merz personally, reportedly want to see renewed good relations between Turkey and the EU.

Letimbiotis claimed that Turkey prioritizes certain issues in its European process and “must take reciprocal actions and initiatives regarding the Greek Cypriot administration for progress to occur.”

He also noted that Merz sees added value in the Greek Cypriot administration’s approach to Turkey’s European process. Letimbiotis stressed that the key to fully leveraging EU tools, especially after the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU’s political representative, lies with Turkey.

While avoiding specifics on Germany’s role, Letimbiotis referenced ongoing bilateral relations between Germany and Turkey and said Germany could contribute “through activating these parameters, subject to Turkey-EU and Cyprus issues.”

The report added that the Greek Cypriot administration has proposed discussing a Turkish port opening to Greek Cypriot-flagged ships in exchange for visa liberalization for Turkish businessmen, describing it as a “mutual interest move.”

Letimbiotis stated, “We want a Turkey close to the EU, compliant with the European acquis, principles, and values as much as possible. Turkey’s stance on the Cyprus issue cannot be seen as a separate heading from these principles and values.”