Turkish Cypriot minister praises Türkiye’s role in international support

Adik Gardiyanoglu, Turkish Cypriot minister, emphasizes Türkiye’s key role in boosting Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ global visibility and support

Adik Gardiyanoglu, the Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), emphasized Türkiye’s vital role in increasing the international visibility and support for the TRNC.

Gardiyanoglu highlighted the significance of Türkiye as the TRNC’s gateway to the world, noting its critical support in achieving observer status in the Organization of Turkic States.

Gardiyanoglu expressed gratitude towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas for their contributions.

He underlined the importance of such international meetings for the integration of social policies and increasing the recognition of TRNC on the global stage.

“Although the whole world does not want to see us, the reality of the TRNC is before the press and political organizations all over the world,” he stated.

Türkiye’s support key to TRNC’s integration

The minister acknowledged that full recognition of the TRNC by other Turkish states would be a gradual process, requiring foundational integration between ministries and systems, pointing out that historically, the TRNC’s primary connection has been with Türkiye due to its geographical isolation and the embargoes it faces.

The recent establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between Azerbaijan and the TRNC was “a significant step forward,” Gardiyanoglu said.

“Once similar initiatives in other Turkic states start at the level of parliaments and reach the level of ministerial relations and when we can fully express ourselves to all Turkic states, I think that recognition will be realized,” he added.

‘Türkiye’s presence strengthens us’

He also underscored Türkiye’s longstanding support, dating back to 1958, as a source of strength and motivation for the TRNC.

“Türkiye brought peace to the island, Türkiye’s presence on the island gives strength and motivation,” he stressed.

Gardiyanoglu added that he emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s support, compared the situation of the TRNC to that of Palestine and expressed his pride in the TRNC’s Turkish identity and its commitment to the extended Turkish family.

Continuing his sentences through the example of Palestine, Gardiyanoglui said, “Even saying this right now makes one’s heart swell. Because we know that we also have our motherland Türkiye behind us. If there was a motherland behind Palestine, we would be talking about different things today. We would not be talking about Israeli oppression and genocide. I am proud to be a Turk. I am proud to be a member of this great family.”

Since the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed around 1,200 Israelis, Israel has launched a severe offensive on Gaza. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 35,270 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 79,200 others, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Source: AA