Cyprus leaders meet at Pile Peace Festival amid trade disputes

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Hristodulidis shared a meal and engaged in conversation during the 6th Pile Peace Festival in the UN-controlled buffer zone. While the event aimed to promote coexistence, political tensions remain high.

Erhürman has centered recent discussions on the issue of direct trade, noting that Turkish Cypriots are currently unable to trade directly with the European Union. He rejected a proposal regarding the Varosha (Maraş) region that linked the transfer of the area to UN administration with the opening of Famagusta Port under EU supervision, arguing that the primary obstacle is the lack of direct trade rights for Turkish Cypriots.

Simultaneously, diplomatic activity has increased in Brussels, where EU High Representative Kaja Kallas met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions included the Cyprus issue, the future of Turkey-EU relations, and the potential updating of the Customs Union. Meanwhile, Hristodulidis criticized the Turkish side for setting preconditions for negotiations, while Erhürman emphasized the necessity of political equality.