Brussels: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the Greek Cypriot Administration on Wednesday, highlighting concerns about the administration's role in stalling Turkey's relations with the European Union. "Whoever I speak with, they all complain about the Greek Cypriot Administration. There is a problem here: the issue of the synergy area that concerns the fate of more than 400 million people in the EU and Trkiye being held hostage by a small group of people," Fidan stated after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish officials have long contended that opposition from the Greek Cypriot Administration, alongside Athens, has obstructed Turkey's closer cooperation with the EU. This opposition has reportedly disregarded Turkey's strategic importance, thereby weakening the EU. Fidan emphasized that his counterparts recognized this problem and expressed it appropriately, noting that in the EU, issues requiring unanimity were often misused.
Fidan stressed the importance of Turkey continuing its foreign policy path without giving leverage to others while maintaining strategic autonomy. He pointed out that his meetings with European counterparts, primarily discussing the Ukraine peace agreement and other developments, underscored Turkey's key role in these talks.
He held extensive discussions with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, focusing on open dialogues regarding connectivity between the EU, Turkey, and other regions like the Caucasus and Central Asia. Fidan highlighted ongoing efforts related to the accession process, emphasizing the need to open certain chapters and remove blockages.
Fidan also mentioned progress on key issues such as the Customs Union, visa liberalization, and the resumption of the European Investment Bank's activities in Turkey. He highlighted Turkey's significant contributions to EU foreign policy on issues involving Russia-Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, stressing the value of cooperation in these areas.
The minister also discussed Turkey's engagement in Africa, emphasizing the groundwork laid by Turkey in North and sub-Saharan Africa as a basis for cooperation with the EU and global actors. He reiterated Turkey's potential as a reliable partner with EU members, urging the removal of blockages to conclude Turkey's institutional journey with the EU.
Regarding Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Fidan expressed hope for a positive outcome, emphasizing the negotiation process's technical importance. He noted the wide gap in initial positions but believed a middle ground could be reached. Fidan acknowledged the efforts of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in mediating the talks.
Fidan also addressed the significance of the Black Sea, citing recent attacks on commercial ships in Turkey's exclusive economic zone. He emphasized the necessity of addressing navigation safety, energy routes, and other economic opportunities while mitigating wartime risks.
In a meeting with Romanian and Bulgarian ministers, Fidan noted the establishment of a working group to prevent wartime mines from drifting ashore, reflecting collective efforts to ensure maritime safety in the Black Sea.