German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Turkey to make progress on normalizing relations with Cyprus and open its ports to traffic from the island. EU conditions opening new chapters in talks with Turkey with opening ports to Greek Cyprus.

After meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, Merkel said Turkey needed to show "more willingness" in the resolution of its dispute with Cyprus.

“You have shown great willingness to compromise that has unfortunately not been reciprocated by the other side,” she told Christofias at a news conference during the first visit of a German chancellor to Greek Cyprus.

Merkel said Germany's experiences of reunification could be helpful when the negotiations between Greek Cyprus and the northern part of the island were more advanced.