President Ersin Tatar has become the first TRNC President to visit Australia.
Tatar, who arrived in Australia on Wednesday was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at Melbourne Airport.
Speaking upon his arrival, President Tatar said, “the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) belongs to all of us.”
He noted that his contacts will focus on further strengthening ties with the Turkish Cypriots living in Australia.
President Ersin Tatar arrived in Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria on Wednesday.
He will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Turkish Cypriots who arrived in the country 80 years ago and are holding festivals and activities to keep alive the culture and traditions of Turkish Cypriots.
He received a warm welcome at Melbourne Airport by the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye Doğan Işık, TRNC Honorary Representative in Melbourne Hasan Sayar, heads of associations and many Turkish Cypriots.
Speaking to the press, President Tatar said he was overjoyed to be in Australia.
“I have come to embrace our brothers and sisters who have settled here since the 1940’s and to convey the greetings of the Turkish Cypriot people,” said Tatar.
Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots who settled in Australia have never severed their ties with Cyprus, Tatar said, “We are all one heart, we all have the love of Cyprus in our hearts. The TRNC belongs to all of us.”
He said that during his contacts in Australia he will be looking into ways to strengthen ties between Turkish Cypriots in Australia and the TRNC.
“How can we share more cultural, spiritual and national values with the 4th generation here and create a stronger connection. We will evaluate all these studies while I am here in Australia,” said Tatar.
Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot community is going through very difficult times, the President said, “Now, in this age of communication, we are becoming more united. We are experiencing the happiness of being Turkish Cypriots and having the TRNC state.”