Moscow and Ankara launched reconciliation efforts this summer following the November 2015 downing of Russia’s Su-24 combat jet by Turkey. In June, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologized in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the incident, offering condolences to the family of the killed pilot.
"Of course we are watching the [rapprochement] of relations between Turkey and Russia again. We hope that Russia will stay on the same principles as was doing for decades and through this [rapprochement] of relations will influence Turkish army to leave Cyprus and contribute to the solution of this issue," Syllouris said.
"All the expectations created up to now by our side are a positive approach towards the negotiations, but on the main issues Turkey should make some moves and we did not hear up to now any positive approach from them. If after the meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations Turkey will change the attitude than we can be optimistic," Demetris Syllouris said.
In 1974, Turkey invaded the island of Cyprus after which the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was established in 1983. Northern Cyprus controls some 37 percent of the island territory. At present, the United Nations is brokering peace talks for reunification of the two parts of Cyprus.
