Antalya:Nicosia The Republic of Cyprus has been invited to participate in the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, this November.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the invitation was extended after Cyprus engaged in systematic and coordinated diplomatic efforts, with the support of European institutions and EU member states. The European Union's pressure was instrumental, emphasizing the significance of full and equal participation of EU member states in international conferences.

A government source highlighted that European support was robust and unwavering, reflecting a consistent position on the inclusion of all EU members in such international events. This invitation comes amid reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had initially attempted to exclude Cyprus from the conference. Erdogan reportedly sent invitations to the heads of government of only 26 EU member states for the leaders' meeting scheduled for November 11-12.

Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, which has been an EU member since 2004, and only acknowledges the Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus. This tension dates back to Turkey's illegal invasion of the island in 1974.