Prime Minister Ünal Üstel is conducting significant discussions in Ankara, where he highlighted the importance of cooperation with Türkiye, particularly in maintaining peace and stability in Cyprus.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Üstel emphasized the critical role Türkiye has played in securing peace in the region.
Speaking in Ankara, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel noted that the collaboration between the TRNC and Türkiye is essential, especially as the two countries have signed various protocols aimed at overcoming economic challenges.
“We will take concrete steps to ensure energy supply security in the TRNC, and we are committed to solving issues related to supply security permanently for a stronger economy,” said Üstel.
Prime Minister Üstel is being accompanied by key government partners, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, as well as Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı.
During his visit, Üstel expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its continued support, particularly thanking Vice President Yılmaz for his hospitality and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his call at the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the TRNC.
“Over the past three years, President Erdoğan has made historic calls for recognition. After last year’s appeal, we took significant steps with Azerbaijan, and together with TRNC President Ersin Tatar, we had the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan at the highest level. We believe more responses to these calls will follow. In the meantime, we are taking determined steps to strengthen our economy with Türkiye’s unwavering support,” said Üstel.
Üstel underscored the TRNC’s resilience in the face of international isolation, stressing the importance of Türkiye’s backing.
“Despite global challenges and isolation, with the Economic and Financial Cooperation Protocols we signed with Türkiye, we are working to advance our country. The TRNC will claim its rightful place in the world, and we are moving forward with full speed alongside Türkiye,” he added.
Commenting on the volatile situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Üstel criticized the international community and the UN Security Council for their silence, highlighting that only Türkiye, under President Erdoğan’s leadership, has given voice to the oppressed.
“The Turkish Cypriots faced similar challenges in 1974, but thanks to Türkiye, we have achieved peace and stability. Now, with the protocols we have signed, we will overcome economic difficulties and continue implementing unfinished projects. We will ensure that our economy functions smoothly, and purchasing power remains strong,” Üstel stated.
Prime Minister Üstel also extended his gratitude to Vice President Yılmaz for his congratulations following Üstel’s victory in the UBP party congress.
He affirmed his commitment to working together in the new term to serve the people of the TRNC.
During the talks, Üstel received a detailed briefing on the TRNC’s energy supply security. ,
“We previously signed a preliminary protocol with Türkiye for a cable connection. Now, we are moving forward with concrete steps. We will solve supply security problems permanently for a strong economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister also noted that significant progress would soon be made on e-government initiatives in the TRNC.