Cyprus foreign ministry responds to Turkish comments on trilateral cooperation

The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official response on April 13, 2026, to remarks made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. The ministry stated that Cyprus conducts its foreign policy as a reliable member of the European Union and the international community. Nicosia rejected allegations of revisionist policies or aspirations for regional hegemony, characterizing such claims as attempts by Turkey to create misleading impressions. The statement emphasized that these claims serve to provoke tension in a critical regional period. Furthermore, the ministry highlighted the ongoing military occupation of northern Cyprus, citing the presence of thousands of Turkish troops in offensive positions. The Cypriot government maintains that Turkey ignores its own record of territorial occupation while questioning the sovereignty of other regional states. This diplomatic exchange reflects the persistent geopolitical friction between Nicosia and Ankara.