Newly-elected Turkish President Abdullah Gul has called for a resolution of the division of Cyprus that respects both communities on the Mediterranean island.
Speaking in Nicosia after talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Mr. Gul said there are "two realities on Cyprus, two democracies, two states, two languages and two religions." He then called on the international community to take these into account. Only Turkey has recognized the self-declared state Turkish Cypriots have set up on the island.
The visit to Turkish-inhabited areas of Cyprus is Mr. Gul's first trip abroad since taking office.
Earlier, Mr. Gul urged the European Union to make good on its promise to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.
The Greek-led internationally recognized Cyprus government condemned the Gul visit.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the visit shows what it called "a serious provocation against an EU member-state."
In 2004, Greek Cypriots rejected a United Nations settlement plan accepted by the island's Turkish community.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded in response to a coup in Nicosia aiming at uniting the island with Greece.
