President Ersin Tatar pointed out that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was represented with its own flag in international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization of Turkic States, saying, “If we have achieved this, I believe recognition will inevitably come one day.”
Responding to questions from Anadolu Agency, Tatar also commented on some Turkic states opening embassies in South Cyprus.
President Ersin Tatar, who attended the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, made a statement to Anadolu Agency.
Stating that this was his fourth time attending the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the President thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for the invitation.
Noting that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum had a format that only very few countries in the world could achieve, Tatar stated that such a large-scale organization required a solid infrastructure and investment.
He expressed that they see Antalya as an extension of Cyprus and that they themselves were situated in the “basin of the Mediterranean.”
Regarding the recognition of the TRNC, the President stressed that they continued their efforts with Türkiye’s support and that they engaged in trade with many countries, and that students from 144 countries were currently studying at universities in the TRNC.
Tatar also highlighted that the TRNC was represented with its own flag in international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization of Turkic States.
“If we have achieved this, I believe recognition will inevitably come one day. Because the other side has become a Greek Republic. Its name is the Republic of Cyprus, but in essence, it is a Greek Republic. On this side, we are a Turkish Republic. Our name is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” he said.
Reminding that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) became an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States under its own name in 2022 with the support of Turkish President Erdoğan, Tatar also commented on the opening of embassies by some Turkic states in South Cyprus.
“Of course, it’s a somewhat sensitive issue. They are independent Turkic states, having gained their independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and they determine their own destiny. I would have preferred that such a thing didn’t happen, but it did. When asked, they referred to certain contacts and meetings they had with the EU. If they take such a step, they believe they will receive more attention and favour from the EU. In a way, they’ve played into that. Because that’s the logic of their approach. We also need to understand this, because they, too, have major needs” President Tatar said.
Touching upon the Cyprus issue, President Tatar stated that with the arrival of Turkish troops on the island in 1974, peace came to both the north and the south of Cyprus, and that no war has broken out since then, which he described as a success.
He also pointed out that there are thousands of companies and manufacturing firms in the TRNC.
“The economy of North Cyprus is now stronger and more developed compared to the past. Thanks to infrastructure investments and all kinds of resources, the TRNC has now become a valuable entity. In terms of universities, healthcare, and tourism, the TRNC continues on its path as a brand in every aspect” Tatar said.