As part of the 15 November Republic Day celebrations, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly, Ziya Öztürkler, hosted a reception.

During the event, the Turkish Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz highlighted that since its establishment, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had been a key factor for peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In his speech, Speaker Öztürkler reaffirmed the determination of the Turkish Cypriot people to preserve and elevate the TRNC, stressing that their commitment to strengthening the republic would remain unwavering.

The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly, Ziya Öztürkler, hosted a reception on Thursday evening, as part of the 15 November Republic Day celebrations.

The event was attended by the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, alongside various dignitaries and officials.

The reception began with Ziya Öztürkler and his wife Oya Öztürkler welcoming the guests.

After a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, Cevdet Yılmaz delivered a speech.

In his address, Vice President Yılmaz congratulated everyone, saying, “Happy Republic Day.”

Stressing that since its establishment, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Yılmaz reaffirmed Türkiye and the TRNC’s continued joint efforts toward achieving a just, permanent, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, adding that efforts to increase the TRNC’s visibility and recognition internationally would continue.

Highlighting the ongoing projects aimed at improving the welfare and development of the Turkish Cypriot people, including irrigation systems, energy and social housing projects, among others, he stated that the main goal of these projects was to enhance the quality of life for the Turkish Cypriot people, secure a better future for their children and youth, and provide a boost to the economic development of the TRNC.

In his speech, the Parliamentary Speaker Öztürkler stressed that the declaration of the Republic 41 years ago marked a significant turning point in the struggle for independence.

Öztürkler also expressed the unwavering determination of the Turkish Cypriot people to preserve and elevate the status of the TRNC.

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot people’s determination to live in independence and freedom, and their resolute stance to resist unfair and unequal solutions, he stressed that this determination would continue by defending their common interests and standing firm against any imposed solutions.

“In this regard, I want to reiterate that, alongside our motherland Türkiye, we have clearly defined a new national policy of seeking a two-state solution. We fully support the view of our President Ersin Tatar that the federation option is now closed” Öztürkler added.

Öztürkler also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people would continue their unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing the TRNC, and would work alongside Türkiye to protect their national interests in the Blue and Sky Homeland.

“We will continue our efforts to bring the Turkish Cypriot people to the level of modern civilization. Our republic is the guarantee of our will to live freely and independently. We will be the defenders of a strong TRNC” he added.