President Ersin Tatar emphasized the importance of the support provided by the Republic of Türkiye in strengthening the infrastructure of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Tatar stated that although the TRNC is continuously developing, the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people conflicting with contemporary values needs to come to an end.
The president was speaking during his meeting on Thursday with the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
Welcoming the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the significance of hosting him during the opening of the Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque, especially on a significant day like Regaip Kandil.
Tatar underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in strengthening the infrastructure of the TRNC, expressing his wishes for a better year in 2024, referencing the earthquake that occurred in Türkiye on February 6.
Stating that the TRNC is continually developing, President Tatar emphasized the need to end the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.
He mentioned that the Greek Cypriot mindset has not changed, and they are not contributing to the peace process.
Tatar mentioned that the appointed personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General would explore common ground for the negotiation process in Cyprus through discussions.
He stated that the Turkish Cypriot side accepted this for a period of six months.
Reiterating that official negotiations could begin with the confirmation of sovereign equality and equal international status, President Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot mindset continues to remain as an obstacle to achieving common ground.
Highlighting the importance of projects and developments in various fields with new initiatives and opportunities, Tatar expressed gratitude for the interest and closeness shown by Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz for his part expressed his happiness from being in the TRNC and expressed his hope for the continuation of new projects and openings.
He also conveyed the regards, love, and complements of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Turkish Cypriot people.
Touching upon the water project, dubbed the Project of the Century, Yılmaz mentioned ongoing efforts to make the water from Türkiye available for irrigation.
He stated that feasibility studies for the electricity project through an interconnected system are also ongoing after the water project.
Expressing the hope for the entire island to be connected with the European grid system through the Republic of Türkiye, he reminded that obtaining electricity technically and financially through Türkiye is the most reasonable way.
Yılmaz noted the significant potential of the TRNC in renewable energy and highlighted ongoing efforts in various areas, including health and education.
The Turkish Vice President also thanked President Tatar for his clear stance in the two-state policy, reiterating the shared vision of Ankara.
He emphasized that there should be no hesitation in the negotiation of a two-state solution, expressing Ankara’s readiness to provide any support for the TRNC to overcome isolations and continue to integrate with the world as a state.
Yılmaz also mentioned positive developments such as observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States and the established relations with Azerbaijan as indicators of progress.