Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence has reiterated Ankara’s support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, following reports of a possible new United Nations initiative on the long-running Cyprus issue.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spokesperson for the Turkish Defence Ministry, rejected any settlement model that, according to Ankara, does not recognise the “sovereign equality” of the Turkish Cypriot side.

“In recent days, some media outlets from the Greek Cypriot press have claimed that the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General has prepared a new plan for resolving the Cyprus issue and that this plan will be submitted for consultation with the Greek Cypriot Administration and the TRNC,” Aktürk said, referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey.

“A permanent, fair and sustainable solution on the island is possible only on the basis of a two-state solution, founded on the affirmation of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people,” he said.

He added that any initiative which, in Ankara’s view, ignores this “fundamental reality” could neither reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people nor ensure lasting stability in the region.

Aktürk said Turkey’s position on the Cyprus issue remained “clear, unambiguous and unwavering,” adding that Ankara would not accept any initiative that ignored what it regards as the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people or sought to disturb the island’s “delicate balance.”

“The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkey’s security,” he said.

“Just as yesterday, so today and tomorrow, our determination to protect the security, peace and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people is unwavering. Our country, as a guarantor state, will continue to be the guarantor of peace, security and stability in Cyprus, within the framework of the legitimate rights and responsibilities arising from international agreements and international law.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, and Turkey remains the only country that recognises the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. UN-backed efforts to reunify the island under a federal framework have been stalled since 2017, while Ankara has increasingly promoted a two-state model, a position rejected by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.