CTP–CHP Meeting: A Comprehensive Solution In Cyprus Is Essential For Regional Peace And Stability

The meeting addressed developments in Turkey–Cyprus relations, the current political situation in Northern Cyprus and shared political perspectives. Emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation, mutual solidarity and dialogue between the two parties. İncirli was accompanied by CTP Foreign Relations Secretary and Kyrenia MP Fikri Toros, as well as CTP Education Secretary and Central Executive Board member Feriha Tel. Özel was joined by CHP Secretary-General Selin Sayek Böke and CHP Deputy Chair for Foreign Relations and MP Namık Tan.

The closed-door meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, followed by a joint press statement by the two leaders.

İncirli: A Comprehensive Solution In Cyprus Is A Regional Necessity

CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli said that in the rapidly changing geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus remains one of the key pillars of regional peace and stability. She stressed that rising tensions in energy, security and cooperation have once again demonstrated that the current status quo on the island is unsustainable.

İncirli said CTP supports the political solution position of former CTP leader and President Tufan Erhürman, noting that Turkish Cypriots clearly demonstrated their will for a solution in the presidential election held in October.

“We believe that a comprehensive solution in Cyprus—based on political equality, rooted sovereign equality, and an agreed settlement reached through negotiations in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and parameters—is not only essential for the island, but a necessity for peace, stability and prosperity across the entire region,” she said.

“We Support Strong, Respect-Based Relations With Turkey”

Addressing broader global trends, İncirli underlined the growing need for organised international social democratic solidarity in the face of rising authoritarianism, the far right, international terrorism and polarisation driven by identity politics.

She emphasised the importance CTP attaches to relations with Turkey, saying: “We support building strong relations with Turkey on the right basis, grounded in mutual respect. Given the vital importance of our relations with Turkey, we approach this issue with particular sensitivity.”

Congratulating Özgür Özel on his leadership, İncirli said she was pleased by the frequency of contacts between the two parties. She noted that CTP and CHP are both active members of the Socialist International and sister parties advancing social democratic and democratic left values in their respective geographies.

“Our common ground is the struggle for peace, justice, equality and the rule of law. We will continue to stand in solidarity and consult closely with one another,” she said.

“We Are Ready To Take On Government Responsibility In 2026”

İncirli said an early general election is inevitable and that public demand is moving in that direction, adding that the public has lost confidence in the current government.

“As CTP, we are ready to assume government responsibility in 2026. We will do so with an inclusive political vision that rebuilds the social state, is open to dialogue and fully embraces a culture of compromise,” she said, stressing that relations with Turkey should be conducted on the basis of equality, fraternity, mutual respect and institutional cooperation.

She concluded by expressing hope that the visit would further deepen CTP–CHP relations and strengthen social democratic solidarity at both regional and international levels.

Özel: We Continue Our Solidarity With A Shared Political Perspective

CHP leader Özgür Özel recalled the October presidential election, noting that then-CTP leader Tufan Erhürman was elected president with a high vote share and subsequently completed his party duties. He said CTP then set an example by electing, for the first time in its history, a woman as party leader.

Özel also recalled visiting the CTP headquarters on 26 December to congratulate İncirli and the new party leadership, adding that the current Ankara visit marked a return visit.

Highlighting that the extraordinary congresses of CHP and CTP were held on the same day and that both leaders were elected simultaneously, Özel said: “This pleasant coincidence reflects the fact that both parties are continuing on their paths in their respective countries. As parties that view politics and the Cyprus issue from the same perspective, and that seek solutions with the same understanding of what people expect from politics, we continue our solidarity.”