Yiannis Ioannou
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s two-day visit to the occupied territories, taking place today and tomorrow, is considered particularly significant. This visit to the so-called “TRNC” was originally scheduled for mid-December but was postponed due to developments in Syria. It was rescheduled after Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar made an urgent visit to Ankara on Christmas Day. Both Turkish Cypriot media and sources speaking to K connect Fidan’s visit to current developments in the Cyprus problem and internal political shifts in the occupied territories, with the political future of Tatar and the current “government” appearing uncertain.
First Solo Visit
While the Turkish Cypriot “presidency” has not revealed the detailed agenda of Fidan’s visit, its timing is significant. It comes just ahead of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to Ankara and coincides with the Greece-Egypt-Cyprus trilateral meeting in Cairo. It also takes place during the major “Blue Homeland 2025” aeronautical military exercise conducted by Turkish armed forces in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
This marks the first time Fidan has visited the occupied territories as Foreign Minister without being part of a larger delegation, a departure from his visit last July. The invitation for this trip was officially extended by the so-called “TRNC” Foreign Minister, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu.
Significance of Fidan’s Visit
Turkish Cypriot media interpret Fidan’s presence in the occupied territories as reflective of two key points:
1. The ongoing effort to strengthen the dependency relationship between Turkey and the “TRNC.”
2. Rapid developments in the region, particularly following the fall of the Assad regime, with the UN gearing up for a potential international conference on the Cyprus issue in March.
What Fidan Brings
According to sources familiar with the occupied territories, Fidan is bringing with him Ankara’s foreign policy agenda on Cyprus, particularly following Tatar’s recent meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Ankara is reportedly preparing the Turkish Cypriot side for a January meeting with the UN, with the aim of positioning them for the anticipated five-party conference on the Cyprus issue in March.
Fidan’s influence on the political dynamics of the occupied areas is expected to play a significant role during this visit. Observers are focusing on his meeting with representatives of the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), which is viewed as a challenge to Tatar and part of broader processes pointing toward potential early “elections” in the occupied territories in 2025.
Key Statements and UN Dynamics
The statements Fidan is expected to make during his visit, and how Tatar approaches his January meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, will likely prove pivotal. Progress on opening new crossing points, for example, depends heavily on the Turkish military, suggesting that Fidan’s role will be crucial in securing any agreements.
Tensions Over Cyprus-Western Relations
Turkish Cypriot media also note dissatisfaction expressed by Ankara and Tatar regarding the strengthening of Cyprus’ relations with Western countries, particularly the prospect of upgrading military bases in Mari and Paphos, as recently announced by Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides.
Trilateral Developments
Meanwhile, in a related development, the 10th session of Greece-Cyprus-Egypt trilateral diplomacy is underway in Cairo. The meeting, attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is focusing on energy cooperation and strengthening ties among the three countries. Discussions are also addressing broader regional issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza and developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime—an issue of particular concern for Egypt due to the ideological influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in the new transitional government in Damascus.
Fidan’s visit to the occupied territories and its broader implications highlight Ankara’s strategic focus on the Cyprus issue and its role in shaping the regional political landscape.
*This article was translated in full from its Greek original
