Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the Organization of the Turkic World 2023, Youth Capital which took place at the Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Centre.

Delivering an opening speech at the ceremony, Minister Ataoğlu stressed that it was the first official representation of the TRNC at an event organised by the Organization of Turkic States since it was admitted as an observer member in November 2022.

“Despite the inhumane embargoes and obstacles we have been subjected to for decades, our motherland, Türkiye, has always been with us under all circumstances and conditions. For this reason, I express my gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye. The inclusion of the TRNC in the Turkic world, with which share common history, culture and civilization, as an observer, in line with the decision taken in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in November 2022, has been a source of excitement for our people. On behalf of the TRNC, I would like to express my special gratitude to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the heads of member states,” Ataoğlu said.

He also said that the participation of the TRNC in the Turkic World as an observer member was an important source of motivation and excitement for the Turkish Cypriot people.

Ataoğlu also expressed the hope that full membership to the organisation in the future, will bring with it new opportunities for the Turkish Cypriot people.

Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu for his part said that they were excited to meet with the youth under the umbrella of the organization through activities that will continue throughout the year.

“We consider Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as our home. They also see Türkiye as their home. May God make our unity, solidarity and brotherhood permanent and clear our way. Let’s be together on such beautiful occasions and continue this spirit forever,” Kasapoğlu added.

A family photo was taken after the opening speeches.

Meanwhile, after the opening ceremony, Minister Ataoğlu attended a dinner given by Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, in honour of the representatives of the OTS member states, and met with Turkish Minister Kasapoğlu and officials from OTS member states.