TRNC Seeks to Strengthen Ties with Organization of Turkish States
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, recently participated in the “Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT)” held in Shusha, Azerbaijan. The summit, themed “Building a Sustainable Future with Transport Connectivity and Climate Action,” provided a platform for leaders to discuss important issues facing the Turkic World.
During his speech at the summit, President Tatar expressed his gratitude for being in Shusha, the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, and thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation. He also reflected on the liberation of their lands, previously under Armenian occupation, by the heroic Azerbaijani army led by President Aliyev.
President Tatar emphasized the unity and solidarity of the Turkic World, particularly in the context of the Second Karabakh War and the symbolic significance of Karabakh and Shusha in promoting togetherness among Turkic nations. He highlighted the importance of TRNC’s participation in the summit as a significant and historical event, demonstrating the country’s commitment to developing relations within the Turkic World.
One of the key points raised by President Tatar was the inclusion of Famagusta Port in the TDT’s ‘Sister Ports’ program, which he believes will provide crucial support against the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people. He also emphasized TRNC’s readiness to assist brother states in times of need, particularly in the face of natural disasters resulting from climate change.
President Tatar also discussed TRNC’s role in connecting the Turkish World with the Mediterranean through its membership in TDT and the importance of cooperation in developing the Middle Corridor. He expressed willingness to collaborate on strengthening transportation and logistics within the Turkish World to achieve common goals and enhance economic relations.
As the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation approaches, President Tatar extended an invitation to the heads of state attending the summit to join the celebration ceremonies commemorating this milestone.
The summit, which was attended by leaders such as Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, provided an opportunity for discussions on key issues affecting the Turkic World. Turkey was represented at the summit by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
