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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, praised former U.S. President Donald Trump as a close ally, and signaled growing defense and economic cooperation with Italy, during a press briefing on his return flight from Rome.
“Trump is my friend, two-state solution for Cyprus,” Erdogan told reporters, summing up key messages from a week of high-level diplomacy.
According to an article by Manolis Kostidis in Kathimerini Cyprus (Greek), Erdogan confirmed plans to visit northern Cyprus this weekend, alongside the TEKNOFEST exhibition team, as part of efforts to strengthen international support for the breakaway state, recognized only by Ankara. “We believe we can move past historical issues with a two-state solution on the island of Cyprus and are proceeding with our efforts in that direction,” he said. “As Turkey, we will never leave the trnc alone.”
He described Turkey’s responsibility to Turkish Cypriots as both “historical and humanitarian,” vowing to continue advocating for their rights on every platform. “We believe the Turkic world will continue to stand by its brothers,” he added.
Reflecting on a recent phone call with Trump, Erdogan said the conversation was “warm, productive, and friendly,” and expressed optimism about a renewed partnership. “My friend Trump and I will add a very different dynamic to our bilateral relations,” he said, emphasizing shared views on Syria and Ukraine and a mutual understanding of each other's strategic priorities.
In Rome, Erdogan held meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where discussions focused on EU-Turkey relations, defense collaboration, and joint initiatives in Africa. He welcomed Italy’s proposal for deeper cooperation on the continent, saying, “There’s no reason not to cooperate.”
The Turkish leader also condemned Israel’s recent military actions across the region, accusing it of fueling instability in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. “What Israel is doing is a provocation and it is unacceptable,” he said, warning Ankara would oppose any effort to drag Syria into renewed conflict.
Erdogan concluded by reiterating efforts to improve ties with Greece and promote peace in the region through “cooperation, good neighborliness, friendship, and alliance.”
