A Cypriot Turk Who Transcends Boundaries: Raşit Pertev – BRTK
Raşit Pertev: A Remarkable Career in International Development
The Turkish Cypriot public got to know Raşit Pertev when he was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the 1st Talat government in January 2004. After completing his higher education at Cambridge and London Universities in the UK, Pertev paused his work in international organizations to serve in the Northern Cyprus government. He later became the negotiator for the 2nd President Mehmet Ali Talat and actively contributed to the resolution of the Cyprus issue.
After returning to his international career in 2009, Pertev currently serves as the Country Representative of the World Bank in Chad, continuing to make significant contributions to development programs. His previous roles include Deputy Secretary-General of the World Farmers’ Federation, Secretary-General of the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development, and various leadership positions in international financial institutions.
Apart from his professional accomplishments, Raşit Pertev is also a poet and author with several published poetry books and a novel. One of his best-known works is the documentary “Lost Bus,” which tells the story of the disappearance of 11 people on a bus from Larnaca in 1964. This tragic event from his childhood inspired him to create a poetic, musical, and documentary tribute in collaboration with his brother Fevzi Tanpınar.
Reflecting on his time as a Minister in Northern Cyprus, Raşit Pertev emphasized the importance of reforms he initiated in the agriculture and dairy industries, such as promoting the value of olives, increasing olive tree cultivation, and improving the dairy transport system. He also highlighted his efforts to address pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables to protect public health.
During his tenure as Chief Negotiator for the Cyprus issue, Pertev played a crucial role in facilitating border crossings between the North and South, such as opening the Astromerit (Bostancı) checkpoint. Despite facing challenges and political pressure during his time in government, Pertev remains proud of the positive changes he initiated for the benefit of Turkish Cypriots.
As he continues his work in Chad, Raşit Pertev encourages young people to explore the world while keeping the option to return to Cyprus open. He believes that a supportive and transparent environment, where the rule of law is upheld, is essential for individuals to thrive and contribute to their country.
In conclusion, Raşit Pertev’s remarkable career in international development and his dedication to serving his community exemplify the impact of his contributions both locally and globally. His story serves as an inspiration for young generations to pursue their passions, make a difference, and strive for a better future.
