Issues Regarding the Participation of the Republic of Cyprus at the Antalya Summit
November 11, 2026
The Turkish government attempted to create issues regarding the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the COP31 Summit in Antalya by using plates labeled 'Southern Cyprus' on the vehicles of the Cypriot delegation. Following the intervention of the EU ambassador, these plates were removed and replaced with 'Cyprus'. Upon the arrival of President Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish President Erdogan reportedly tried to avoid meeting him. Additionally, the Turkish government gave ceremonial importance to the leader of the breakaway entity, Tufan Erhürman, despite placing him away from other state leaders at the summit. Nevertheless, Christodoulides became the first Cypriot President to address an international conference in Turkey.