The Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus, Major General Sezai Öztürk, and the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces, Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, whose terms of duty in the TRNC have come to an end, are conducting farewell visits.
Within this framework, the commanders were received by President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of the Assembly Zorlu Töre, and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Monday.
Receiving the two generals on Monday, both of whom have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and assigned to new duties in Türkiye, Tatar said that he had worked with both commanders during his time in office as prime minister and president, discussing and making important decisions concerning national security issues as well as policies concerning Türkiye and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Emphasizing the importance of efforts to ensure peace, stability, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar expressed his gratitude to both commanders for their great services to the Turkish Cypriot people.
He also congratulated them on their promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Major General Sezai Öztürk, the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus for his part thanked President Tatar for his support throughout his duty in the TRNC and expressed his great honour in working for the Turkish Cypriot people.
He expressed his belief that the TRNC will continue its journey alongside the Republic of Türkiye in the best possible way in the future.
The Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu who also spoke noted that they had carried out meaningful tasks under the leadership of President Ersin Tatar, who was elected with his policy for a two-state solution.
Topaloğlu added, “Our duty here has come to an end. I believe that the colleagues who will come after us will also work in harmony with you for the security and peace of the country, and I believe they will take care of this matter at least as much as we did, aiming for progress and betterment of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Following their meeting with President Ersin Tatar, the two generals were received by the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre.
Receiving the two, Töre thanked the commanders for their services up until now and wished them success in their new roles.
The two generals then visited Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.
Speaking during the visit Prime Minister Üstel said, “I thank General Sezai Öztürk and General Zorlu Topaloğlu for all their efforts on behalf of our country during their terms of duty and wish them success in their new roles.”