Challenges at the Start of COP31 Summit
November 11, 2026
The COP31 summit began with unexpected events, as Turkish President Erdoğan left the venue immediately after the arrival of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. This action was perceived as a sign of contempt towards the United Nations. Erdoğan had invited the leader of the breakaway entity while trying to downplay the presence of the Cypriot President. Despite the tensions, Christodoulides held a private meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss issues concerning Cyprus.