President Ersin Tatar is continuing his diplomatic engagements in Türkiye, where he participated in a roundtable meeting in Ankara attended by retired ambassadors and senior bureaucrats.

During the meeting, Tatar provided insights on the Cyprus issue, reaffirming the TRNC’s stance on a two-state solution.

Speaking at the meeting hosted by the Centre for Eurasian Studies, President Ersin Tatar emphasized that pursuing a federation-based solution was a futile exercise.

He recalled that the late founding President Rauf Denktaş had made significant efforts for a federal agreement, but the realities became evident with the Annan Plan and were ultimately confirmed at the Crans-Montana negotiations.

Tatar noted that, despite being an informal setting, the 5+1 meetings in Geneva allowed them to officially present the two-state policy to the United Nations and other stakeholders, with Türkiye’s full support.

He described this as a historic step, underscoring that negotiations cannot proceed without recognition of sovereign equality and international status.

The President also highlighted the significance of the Maraş initiative, stating that, with Türkiye’s backing, they had once again demonstrated the reality, authority, and sovereignty of the TRNC to the world.

He emphasized that the initiative has brought both historical and economic benefits to the TRNC.

Additionally, Tatar pointed to the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States, made possible with the strong support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as another milestone in their international recognition efforts.

Tatar also recalled Erdoğan’s speeches at the 77th, 78th, and 79th UN General Assemblies, where he called for the recognition of the TRNC and the lifting of unjust embargoes on Turkish Cypriots.

He described Erdoğan’s remarks as a crucial moment in amplifying the TRNC’s voice on the global stage.

Asserting that significant steps are being taken toward recognition, Tatar noted that he personally witnessed Türkiye’s ambassadors worldwide conveying the country’s new policy on the TRNC.

Following his meetings in Ankara, President Tatar moved on to Istanbul to continue his engagements.