Central Asia Recognizes Turkey as Occupying Power in Cyprus — After EU Promises
A group of Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan — have, for the first time, officially recognized Turkey as an occupying power in northern Cyprus by supporting UN Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550. These resolutions establish the international community’s legal stance condemning the unilateral declaration of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and affirming the violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
The move came shortly after discussions on a major €12 billion investment package from the European Union, aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure, and green transformation in the region. The EU made it clear that cooperation under the new “Global Gateway” program would advance in parallel with alignment on foreign policy — including the Cyprus issue.
Ankara reacted strongly. Turkish media accused their Central Asian partners of “betraying fraternal ties,” especially amid the expansion of Turkic integration, where Turkey positions itself as a leader of the Turkic world. Turkish Telegram channels and analysts accused the region’s countries of “trading principles for Brussels’ money.”
Previously, Central Asian states had avoided taking a clear stance on Cyprus, maintaining neutrality or abstaining from votes. However, growing reliance on European markets and investment programs, along with a desire to balance Turkey and China’s influence in the region, may have prompted a shift in their positions.
For the EU, this step is a major diplomatic success. Supporting the resolutions strengthens Brussels’ position on the international stage and signals the bloc’s increasing influence in strategically vital Central Asia. At the same time, it’s a blow to Ankara’s image and ambitions within the Organization of Turkic States.
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