UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Doughty MP, is set to visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) today for a high-level meeting with President Ersin Tatar in Lefkoşa. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, just days before the United Nations peace discussions on Cyprus, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17-18 March.
As the UN Security Council’s ‘penholder’ on Cyprus, the United Kingdom plays a crucial role in shaping international negotiations aimed at resolving the island’s decades-long division. The upcoming talks will bring together key representatives from the TRNC, the Republic of Cyprus, Türkiye, Greece, and the UK, all of whom hold a stake in Cyprus’ future governance and stability.
First Official UK-TRNC Meeting Under the Starmer Government
This meeting represents a significant milestone in UK-TRNC relations, marking the first direct engagement between the TRNC leadership and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. It follows Starmer’s December 2024 meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus. That earlier diplomatic exchange received criticism from Northern Cyprus and Türkiye, as it excluded engagement with TRNC leadership at the time.
Political analysts suggest that Doughty’s visit signals a shift in the UK’s approach, potentially aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties with Ankara while acknowledging TRNC’s role in the broader peace process. This comes as part of the Labour government’s wider strategy to enhance international cooperation and promote conflict resolution in key regions.
A New Chapter in UK-Northern Cyprus Relations
Doughty’s visit will be the first by a UK government official to Northern Cyprus in over four years, following a February 2021 trip by then-Conservative Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. The decision to engage directly with TRNC leadership suggests a greater emphasis on dialogue, which could impact the UK’s stance in the upcoming Geneva discussions.
In preparation for this visit, TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has been actively engaging with UK policymakers over the past week. His meetings with senior British parliamentarians across different political parties have focused on raising awareness of TRNC’s perspective on the Cyprus issue. Additionally, Ertuğruloğlu has taken part in multiple media engagements, including a live interview on LBC’s Iain Dale show, to discuss TRNC’s position.
A Potential Shift in British Policy?
The UK-based Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign has expressed hope that this meeting between Doughty and President Tatar could signal a new direction in British policy towards Cyprus. Advocates argue that recognising the political realities of two separate administrations on the island is essential for achieving a sustainable peace agreement.
As the Geneva talks approach, attention will turn to how the UK navigates its role as a UN guarantor power, balancing diplomatic relations with both Northern and Southern Cyprus. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for stability in the region and the future of UK-Cyprus relations.
