President Ersin Tatar is holding a series of contacts in the Turkish city of Trabzon as guest of the Ortahisar Municipality.

In a statement before embarking on his contacts, President Ersin Tatar drew attention to the close bond that exists between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Türkiye.

He said that their efforts to highlight the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot people will continue.

Tatar also announced that direct flights to Trabzon will commence from March onwards.

Speaking in Trabzon on Friday, President Ersin Tatar described the relationship between the TRNC and Türkiye as inseparable.

He explained that great efforts were being exerted with Türkiye’s support to promote the TRNC to the world and highlight its just cause.

Noting that he regularly visits Türkiye, Tatar said that these visits were part of efforts to inform the Turkish nation of the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot people, especially to younger generations.

Highlighting the importance of direct flights from the TRNC to Trabzon, President Tatar pointed out that direct flights will start from March.

Reminding of the challenges faced in 2023, Tatar mentioned that Türkiye’s positive contributions to the greater Turkic world in the new century will also have positive reflections on the TRNC.

Responding to questions, President Tatar mentioned the strengthening of the policy of a two state solution, pointing out that the calls made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the recognition of the TRNC and the country’s admittance to the Organisation of Turkic States were important developments in that direction.

Tatar also said that the issue of sovereignty formed the basis of the Cyprus issue.

Stating that 1974 was a turning point for the Turkish Cypriot people, Tatar expressed the importance of strengthening the TRNC in the period ahead.

He highlighted that progress in the economy, tourism, agriculture, industry, services, construction, and science sectors with Türkiye has strengthened the foundation of TRNC.

Responding to a question about Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Tatar acknowledged the humanitarian tragedy and drew parallels with what had happened in Cyprus in the past.

He stressed that the lesson to be drawn from the Gaza attacks is the necessity of the continuation of Türkiye’s guarantees for peace and tranquility in Cyprus.

Tatar also underscored that an agreement in Cyprus can only be based on the basis of two seperate and sovereign states.

As part of his contacts in Trabzon, President Ersin Tatar inaugurated the Rauf R. Denktaş photo exhibition in the foyer of the Ortahisar Municipality Building.

He delivered a speech at a conference titled “The Strategic Importance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the Turkic World” at the Karadeniz Technical University.

Tatar was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the Karadeniz Technical University.