The leader of Türkiye’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) Özgür Özel, and his delegation were in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to join the celebrations of the Republic.

The CTP delegation was received by state and government officials on Thursday.

The leader of the Republican People’s Party, Özgür Özel, and his accompanying delegation, who were in the TRNC as part of the 40th anniversary of the TRNC’s establishment, were received separately by the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Thursday.

Receiving the delegation, Töre congratulated Özel on his recent election as the party’s leader and expressed their happiness at seeing him in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on November 15.

Töre, also paid tribute to the late Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, the architect of the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation.

Emphasizing that November 15 is not only the holiday of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but also the entire Turkish nation, Töre stated that despite the many circles wishing that the TRNC be dissolved, independence and the republic will never be abandoned.

He said that Turkish Cypriots had achieved peace and security after the Turkish Peace Operation and that Türkiye has always been by the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

The delegation from the Republican People’s Party was also received by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.

Speaking during the visit, Prime Minister Üstel pointed to the special place the CHP has in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, saying, “If today we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our state and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation next year, it is thanks to the courageous actions of Bülent Ecevit, the leader of your party in power at that time.”

Also drawing attention to the events in Gaza, Prime Minister Üstel mentioned that the Turkish Cypriot people experienced similar things before 1974, and he emphasized that the world now needs to pay attention to what is happening there.

“Peace came to us on July 20, 1974. It brought peace to both us and the Greek Cypriot side. The days when our country will be recognized, free from embargoes, are close now,” Üstel said.

CHP leader Özgür Özel, speaking during the meetings, highlighted the tradition of making the first visit to the TRNC, a state tradition, and mentioned that he visited to the TRNC immediately after being elected as the party leader based on this tradition.

He expressed that the CHP, starting with good relations in foreign policy, especially from Cyprus, will initiate a period of good relations.

“We consider Cyprus as a brotherly homeland,” Özel said.