Prime Minister Ünal Üstel who was in Istanbul to attend the 1st Cities and Cultures Meeting has returned to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Referring to the importance of the event, Üstel emphasized that Turkish Cypriots living abroad, no matter which city or country they are in, should take action to make the TRNC’s voice heard.
Making a statement to the press regarding his contacts in Türkiye, Üstel stated that the photo exhibition and iftar event titled “To experience North Cyprus in Istanbul” that took place within the scope of the 1st Cities and Cultures meeting was a great success and that similar events will be held in the future as well.
He said that the Cities and Cultures meeting will take place in all cities of the world where Turkish Cypriots live, enabling them to come together and join forces.
Üstel underlined that in the globalizing world, the Turkish Cypriots who live abroad for a variety of reasons and are called diaspora, are also extremely important for the development and progress of the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Noting that successful businesspeople and scientists have as much an impact on the fate of the TRNC as the citizens living in North Cyprus Üstel said, “We are aware of this power. However, in order for this power to be sustainable, our diaspora should not break away from their countries, their lands and culture. This and similar events are extremely important for these ties to be strengthened”.
He said that they are also working to eliminate the social, cultural and legal problems the diaspora face and strengthen the ties of Turkish Cypriots living abroad with their homeland.
“The Turkish Cypriot community has now turned its face to the world. We can no longer sit in Cyprus and wait for someone to understand us. We must put forward diplomatic initiatives to be carried out proactively. We are raising our voice in the world. We are raising our voices in Europe and Asia. Turks living abroad have the potential to be our strongest voice in the world,” said Üstel, emphasizing that Turks living abroad, no matter which city or country they are in, should take action to make the TRNC’s voice heard.
“The most powerful countries in the world are the countries with the strongest diaspora. We have more than twice our population living in different countries and cities around the world. Their strengthening means the strengthening of the TRNC on the world stage” said Üstel.
He added that if Turkish Cypriots living abroad return home to their homeland and make investments, this means that the local economy would also strengthen.
“Their progress at effective points means that our politics will become effective. We will mobilize this power and build the future with all our citizens wherever they live” said Üstel.