President Ersin Tatar departed from Ercan Airport on Tuesday morning to attend the upcoming informal 5+1 meeting on Cyprus, scheduled to take place on July 16–17 in New York.
Before leaving, Tatar held a press conference where he outlined the Turkish Cypriot side’s expectations and positions ahead of the high-level talks.
President Ersin Tatar who spoke at Ercan Airport before departing for New York to 5+1 informal summit on Cyprus, reaffirming the TRNC’s commitment to dialogue while defending its legal and sovereign rights.
He said the Turkish Cypriot side will participate in the expanded-format summit with a constructive approach aimed at achieving practical cooperation before any formal negotiation process resumes.
Tatar reminded that during a similar 5+1 meeting held in Geneva in March 2025, the two sides reached a mutual understanding on six thematic areas.
While progress has been made in some areas, he noted that efforts to open new crossing points have not succeeded.
“We have always acted in good faith,” Tatar stated. “We proposed opening the Haspolat and Akıncılar crossing points to alleviate congestion at Metehan.
However, the Greek Cypriot side has insisted on other locations, such as Erenköy and Kiracıköy, which has blocked progress.”
Tatar also pointed out that plans to establish a renewable energy facility in the buffer zone had stalled due to lack of agreement with the Greek Cypriot side.
“Representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, I am going to New York to defend our legal and sovereign rights,” the president said. “I will also raise the issue of property rights during the summit.”
President Tatar emphasized the importance of genuine cooperation and reaffirmed that the TRNC remains committed to dialogue that serves mutual interests and respects the sovereign equality of both sides.
Meanwhile, the details of President Tatar’s schedule in New York have also been finalized.
He is expected to arrive in New York at midnight local time and will begin meetings on July 16.
President Tatar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Special Representative Güneş Onar, Legal Advisor Sülen Karabacak, Confidence-Building Measures Coordinator Seniha Birand Çınar, International Relations Advisor Prof. Hüseyin Işıksal, and Foreign Press Officer Kerem Haser.
On July 16, the UN Secretary-General will hold separate bilateral meetings and official photographs with delegations, followed by a welcome dinner.
The main session of the 5+1 format talks will take place on July 17 at the UN Headquarters, including key discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and bilateral meetings, including with UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty.
