US Senator Rick Scott delivered a pointed message to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a visit to Cyprus, calling on Turkey to behave as a genuine ally of the United States and respect the sovereignty of other nations.
“Act like allies and treat other sovereign states with respect,” Scott said in comments published in a video shared on social media.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: ‼️ Sen. Rick Scott Issues Stern Warning To Erdogan from Cyprus, Backs Cypriot Sovereignty from Illegal Turkish Military Occupation Forces ‼️ “Act like an ally, treat other sovereign nations with respect” Sen. Rick Scott @SenRickScott of the Foreign Relations Committee and Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, was in Cyprus today warning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan @RTErdogan against continued illegal military occupation and political pressure on the island. Scott met Cypriot leaders to reaffirm U.S. support for the Republic of Cyprus’s sovereignty and discussed American interests in the Mediterranean. He met Energy Minister Michael Damianos on expanding Europe-Middle East energy infrastructure as U.S. oil and gas exports rise, and visited the UN Buffer Zone dividing the island since Turkey’s 1974 invasion. In Greece, Scott met officials and discussed strengthening the U.S.-Greece alliance, NATO cooperation, and deterring Russian aggression in the region. He also discussed the importance of both nations’ relationships with Israel and support for the United States in the ongoing war with Iran. It’s great to see a US Senator push back on Muslim Brotherhood thug Erdogan. Turkey shouldn’t even be allowed to be in NATO, and Turkey should NEVER be allowed to acquire F-35 fighter jets. Luckily, Senator Scott understands the threat Turkey and Erdogan’s jihadist ideology poses to the world.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 16, 2026
Support for Cyprus
During his visit, Scott met officials of the Republic of Cyprus and reiterated his support for the country's sovereignty amid the continuing Turkish military presence in the island's north.
The senator also visited the UN buffer zone, where he stressed the importance of respecting Cyprus' independence and territorial integrity.
His remarks included criticism of Turkey's actions on the island and calls for an end to the occupation.
Energy cooperation discussed
Scott also held talks with Energy Minister Michalis Damianou, focusing on developing energy infrastructure linking Europe and the Middle East.
The discussions took place against a backdrop of growing US energy exports and increasing strategic interest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to reports, the talks examined opportunities for closer regional energy cooperation and the role of US interests in the region.
Meetings in Greece
The senator also held meetings in Greece, where discussions focused on strengthening Greek-US relations, cooperation within NATO and regional security issues.
Talks reportedly covered the importance of the relationship between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, as well as broader geopolitical developments in the region.
