“THE European Union rejects the attempts of the Organization of Turkic States to legitimize the Turkish Cypriot separatist entity, the so-called, internationally unrecognized, “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, as an observer in the Organization of Turkic States” emphasizes the EU High Representative Joseph Borel noting that this decision, pending ratification by the organization’s members, is regrettable and contradicts the fact that several of its members have expressed strong support for the principle of territorial integrity and the United Nations Charter.

“The EU has repeatedly made it clear, including at the highest political level, that the EU only recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law, in accordance with the respective resolutions of the UN Security Council,” the high representative said.

In addition, Josep Borrell emphasizes that Viktor Orbán’s participation in the informal meeting of the organization of Turkic states in Susa on July 5-6 took place, exclusively, in the context of bilateral relations between Hungary and this organization.

Hungary is now the EU Member State serving the rotating Presidency of the Council until 31 December 2024. This does not entail any external representation of the Union which is the responsibility of the President of the European Council at Head of State or Government level and the High Representative Union at ministerial level, adds Josep Borel.

The High Representative finally notes that Hungary has not received any mandate from the Council of the EU to promote relations with the organization of Turkic states.