President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has issued an open invitation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for a direct meeting to discuss the Cyprus problem, signalling renewed willingness for dialogue aimed at a negotiated solution.

In an extensive interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, President Christodoulides said he is ready to meet Erdoğan “if Turkey is ready,” stressing that diplomacy and negotiations remain the only viable path toward resolving the long-standing division of the island.

The Cypriot President described as a “positive development” the fact that the new Turkish Cypriot leader has not publicly endorsed a two-state solution, reiterating that the sole sustainable framework remains a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as outlined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Christodoulides underlined that creating the conditions for a substantive restart of negotiations is the key priority, emphasizing that any progress must be grounded in international law and UN decisions. He also recalled that Turkey remains the only country that does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, despite both states being members of international organisations and Ankara’s long-standing EU aspirations.

A central theme of the interview was the role of France, which President Christodoulides said “can and must play a leading role” in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. He noted that this possibility has been discussed for some time with French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting France’s unique position as both an EU member state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The President also expressed strong satisfaction with the Cyprus–France Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in Paris, calling it clear proof of the deepening bilateral relationship. The agreement, which runs until 2030, covers defence, security, innovation, trade, culture and education, with regular reviews by the two countries’ foreign ministers.

Christodoulides further announced that President Macron is expected to pay an official visit to Cyprus in the near future — the first visit by a French President since Cyprus gained independence in 1960.

Looking ahead to Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Christodoulides outlined three core pillars: strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy with emphasis on defence, security and migration; deepening engagement with the Middle East; and focusing on policies that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.

He stressed that Cyprus has an in-depth understanding of the Middle East, arguably more than any other EU member state, and revealed plans to host an informal summit with leaders from countries including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Morocco and Algeria.

On NATO, President Christodoulides said membership would be a “natural evolution” for Cyprus and confirmed that an application would be submitted immediately if unanimous approval were possible. He acknowledged, however, that Turkey would likely veto such a move, explaining that Cyprus is therefore focusing on strengthening its armed forces to NATO standards.

He also disclosed that Cyprus has secured around €1.2 billion through the EU’s SAFE programme, with approximately 85% of the defence equipment included in its request covered by the French defence industry.

Regarding Ukraine, Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s firm support, drawing parallels between Ukraine’s situation and Cyprus’s own experience of invasion and occupation. He stressed that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity would be a central priority during Cyprus’s EU Presidency.