Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in occupied northern Cyprus at noon on Monday, in his first official visit as new Turkey President.

Departing for the divided Island of Cyprus, Erdogan said that a political solution on the island is dependent on the good will of the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to restarted UN-brokered negotiations between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, Erdogan said that “while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus seeks a just solution, Greek Cypriot administration has never demonstrated the same goodwill.”

During a press conference at the airport before his departure, Erdogan also underlined that the international community should take more decisive steps towards a solution.

“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus sets an example in the East Mediterranean with its advancing economic development and prosperity level,” Erdogan added.

President Erdogan is scheduled to meet for talks with Turkish-Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu ahead of a joint press conference.

In Nicosia, a protest was held on the occasion of the arrival of the Turkish President. Dozens of people had gathered to express their disapproval of Erdogan’s policies, holding banners with the slogan: “Mr Erdogan you are not welcome here.”