Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman proposed the creation of a bicommunal technical committee on halloumi on Saturday, stating that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to cooperate with the republic on agriculture and livestock issues as the island confronts the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

In a written statement on social media, Erhurman said the initiative would help manage risks affecting livestock production and protect the future of the island’s most important dairy product.

Erhurman also urged the republic to move forward with the signatures required to allow inspections in the north linked to the protected designation of origin framework for halloumi.

“We want to be inspected,” he said, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side had expected the process to begin by January 31 but had seen no progress.

He said cooperation between the two communities was essential to protect the cheese’s status and the wider agricultural sector.

The statement came as the island deals with a serious outbreak of foot and mouth disease affecting livestock units in government-controlled areas.

Veterinary services have confirmed that the virus detected in farms in the Republic is the same serotype circulating in the north, strengthening concerns that the outbreak is epidemiologically connected.

Authorities have culled more than 13,000 animals across affected farms while emergency vaccinations and strict movement controls are being implemented to contain the highly contagious disease.

Erhurman said he was closely following developments and argued that references by the government to the north should not distract from practical cooperation.

He said timely vaccinations had been carried out in the Turkish Cypriot community and claimed that vaccines had also been supplied to the government-controlled areas when needed.

Calling for a joint response to threats affecting the primary sector, Erhurman said the Turkish Cypriot side had long supported the idea of a bicommunal technical committee on halloumi and remained open to broader cooperation.

“The Greek Cypriot side should stop using the Turkish Cypriot side as an excuse,” he said, urging authorities to focus on responsibilities and take decisions that benefit the whole island.