Cyprus is “being held hostage to an imperialist game” in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, reiterating Ankara’s position in favor of a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue.

Speaking at the annual session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Erdoğan claimed that “Cyprus is also being added to the menu of the imperialist game being played in our region.”

“I consider it important for our Organization to further strengthen its solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot people. I expect you to offer even greater support for the Turkish Cypriots’ struggle for rights, freedom, and justice on the basis of a two-state solution,” he added—reaffirming a stance that runs counter to UN resolutions, which call for the reunification of Cyprus within a bizonal, bicommunal federation framework.

“As the motherland and guarantor power, we will never abandon the Turkish Cypriot people. We will always stand by their side in their just struggle,” the Turkish president concluded.