Türkiye reaffirms commitment to Turkish Cypriot full membership in Turkic States
The flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (R) and the flag of the Republic of Türkiye (L) side by side in the same shot. (AA Photo)
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to securing full membership for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) during a meeting with TRNC President Ersin Tatar in Ankara on Saturday.
“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will soon take its place as a full member in our family council, the Organization of Turkic States. We believe in this, and we hope for it,” Yilmaz said.
He emphasized that as the Turkic world supports the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots, their unity and solidarity will grow even stronger.
The OTS, founded in 2009, includes Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the TRNC holding observer status. The organization promotes cooperation in trade, politics, culture, and security among Turkic-speaking nations.
Strengthening Turkish Cypriot’s economy
Yilmaz also highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to boost the TRNC’s economy through the Türkiye-TRNC Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement.
He stressed that Ankara’s primary goal is to ensure the Turkish Cypriot community thrives on a solid economic foundation.
“We are implementing many joint projects to develop a strong and dynamic economy in the TRNC, enhancing prosperity through improved public services, infrastructure, healthcare, and social services,” Yilmaz said.
He reiterated that achieving a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for Ankara, advocating for the legitimate rights and security of the Turkish Cypriots. International recognition of the TRNC, alongside diplomatic, political, and economic ties, is essential for peace on the island, Yilmaz added.
Decades-long dispute
The Cyprus conflict has persisted for decades between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite various diplomatic efforts. Ethnic violence in the early 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots into enclaves for protection.
In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece prompted Türkiye’s military intervention to protect Turkish Cypriots.
The TRNC was founded in 1983, and Türkiye continues to advocate for a two-state solution on the island, based on sovereign equality.
