Invitation to the Greek leader from the United Nations Secretariat
The participation of Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides in the COP31 summit was discussed through Türkiye's invitation policy and the mediation of Brussels.
Quick Look
- The invitation process carried out before the COP31 climate summit was brought to the agenda.
- It was determined that Greek Cypriot Administration leader Hristodulidis was invited by the COP31 Secretariat, not by Turkish President Erdoğan.
- TRNC President Tufan Erhürman and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel came to Antalya with invitation letters signed by Erdoğan.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The COP31 climate summit was being held in Antalya. The invitation process carried out before the summit led to discussions about the participation of Greek Cypriot Administration leader Christodoulides. Turkish President Erdoğan sent signed invitation letters to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel. Hristodulidis was invited by the COP31 Secretariat. The EU brought the issue to the agenda in Brussels following the news that an invitation letter was sent to 26 country leaders and Christodoulides was excluded. Following the diplomatic contacts of EU institutions with Ankara, a new invitation process was launched on October 9 and new invitations were sent to all 27 members of the EU.
AYŞEGÜL KAHVECİOĞLU / Antalya - This incident brought the invitation process carried out before the summit to the agenda. The secretariat and official registration processes at COP31 were carried out by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It was learned that Hristodulidis was invited by the COP31 Secretariat, not by President Erdoğan. TRNC President Tufan Erhürman and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel came to Antalya upon invitation letters signed by Erdoğan himself.
Brussels stepped in
In the news of the Greek-based Kathimerini newspaper dated October 11, it was stated that President Erdoğan sent invitation letters to the leaders of 26 EU member countries and excluded Hristodulidis from the invitation list. It was reported that the Permanent Representative of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus to the EU brought the issue to the agenda in the EU Permanent Representatives Committee and stated that they could not receive an official invitation from Turkey despite the contacts. It was stated that Brussels also intervened.
According to the information obtained, a new invitation process was launched on October 9, following the diplomatic contacts of the EU institutions with Ankara. New davits were sent to all 27 members of the EU via Brussels by the COP31 organization. Thus, while the Greek leader's participation in the summit was ensured through the international organization mechanism, Ankara's diplomatic attitude towards the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus was preserved.
They took off the headphones
The Turkish delegation also displayed a striking attitude when Hristodulidis addressed the General Assembly. When Hristodulidis started speaking, the Turkish delegation took off their simultaneous translation headphones.
IN THE HEADLINES IN THE GREEK PRESS: 'SYMBOLISM WAR'
Greek press, senior diplomats at Erhürman airport; He pointed out that he was welcomed by Erdoğan upon his arrival at the summit. Stating that Hristodulidis was welcomed at the airport by the protocol personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the newspapers highlighted Erdogan's departure from the area when Hristodulidis arrived at the hall. Politis used the title "War of Symbolism in Antalya" in his news on the subject.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Diplomatic talks will continue between Türkiye and the EU after the COP31 summit.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When exactly did the COP31 summit take place?
- What diplomatic steps were taken after Christodoulides' participation in the summit?
- Why did the Turkish delegation remove simultaneous translation headsets?
