As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts before the 5+1 informal Cyprus meeting in Geneva, President Ersin Tatar held talks with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in Ankara. The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Complex, focused on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, cooperation between the TRNC and Türkiye, and economic initiatives.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, President Tatar emphasized that he would present the realities of Cyprus at the Geneva discussions with a new and constructive approach. He underlined that lasting peace, security, and prosperity on the island could only be achieved through cooperation between both sides and their respective states.
Tatar reiterated that a settlement in Cyprus must be based on sovereign equality and equal international status, stressing that cooperation between two states is the only viable way forward. He pointed to various areas of potential collaboration, including tourism, cultural heritage, energy, and natural resources, calling for the international community to recognize these realities without further delay.
Highlighting Türkiye’s role as a guarantor and the TRNC’s strongest ally, Tatar noted that Türkiye’s growing influence in defense, regional, and global affairs reinforces the TRNC’s position. He stated that in Geneva, the TRNC would sit at the same table as Türkiye, creating a strategic balance in the discussions.
Tatar also underscored Türkiye’s crucial support for the TRNC’s economy, announcing that a new Financial and Economic Cooperation Protocol for 2025 is in the final stages and will be signed soon, marking the beginning of a new period of economic collaboration.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in his remarks, emphasized that the close cooperation and coordination between Türkiye and the TRNC is reflected in their mutual visits and policy alignment. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening the TRNC’s economy and ensuring its sustainable development.
Yılmaz highlighted the implementation of the TRNC’s Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, which was announced in January, and its role in building a strong foundation for economic progress. He outlined key initiatives under the 2024 Financial and Economic Cooperation Agreement, including improvements in healthcare infrastructure, critical investments in public services, the expansion of e-Government projects, and increased support for entrepreneurship and the private sector.
The Turkish Vice President also confirmed that the 2025 Financial and Economic Cooperation Agreement, which is nearing completion, will soon be signed with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, ushering in a new phase of cooperation.
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Yılmaz reiterated that a just and lasting solution must be based on the recognition of the TRNC’s inherent rights, including sovereign equality and equal international status.
He stressed that clinging to outdated, failed negotiation models would be futile, adding that the recognition of these rights would pave the way for a sustainable solution.
Yılmaz emphasized the need to end the unfair isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, calling for two states to coexist peacefully on the island and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s stance, Yılmaz echoed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call at the UN General Assembly for international recognition of the TRNC.
He also referenced ongoing consultations with UN Special Envoy María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, stressing that Türkiye and the TRNC remain committed to a solution, but only one based on the realities of the island.