President Ersin Tatar has said that the key to peace, security, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean lies in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Emphasizing that if there is to be a solution in Cyprus, the TRNC must be a party to it, Tatar expressed that the Turkish Cypriots are a people who defy all kinds of embargoes.

The president was speaking at a reception held in London on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC.

The reception held on Thursday night was attended by President Tatar, Türkiye’s Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, the TRNC’s Representative in London Çimen Keskin, as well as other guests.

In his speech, Tatar emphasized that the TRNC is the key to peace, security, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“The motherland, the homeland, and the Blue Homeland, we are walking towards the future together, stronger,” he said.

Tatar underlined that if there is to be an agreement in Cyprus, the TRNC must be a party to it, and expressed that the Turkish Cypriots are a people who defy all kinds of embargoes.

He also said, “Our greatest wealth is the love for our homeland, love for our nation, love for the TRNC, and of course, love for Anatolia and Türkiye.”

Stating that the TRNC will strengthen further with the support of Türkiye, Tatar said, “While fighting for the struggle of the Turkish people in Cyprus, we are fortunate to move towards a stronger future as an integral part of the great Turkic world.”

Tatar, noting that the TRNC is the southernmost Turkish state as an observer member of the Organisation of Turkic States, called on the UK and the world to reconsider their policies on Cyprus.

Reminding that the UK is one of the guarantor countries on the island, Tatar said, “As a guarantor country, it owes a debt to the Turkish Cypriots. We believe that the UK has not treated the Turkish Cypriots fairly until now. We deserve better treatment.”

President Tatar added that the TRNC will be recognized with the support of Türkiye.

In his speech, Türkiye’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş expressed that 2023 is a year of pride for the Republic of Türkiye as it marks the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

He said, “Fortunately, we are also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the TRNC.”

Ertaş said that the strong presence of the Turkish community in Britain has an important contribution from the Turkish Cypriots, and he pledged to continue doing their best for the TRNC to progress further internationally despite all embargoes.

TRNC’s Representative in London, Çimen Keskin, stated in her speech that they will continue their vision based on sovereign equality recorded in Geneva in 2021 and will advance the state in all areas with the unconditional support of Türkiye.

Keskin called on the guarantor country, the UK, and the international community to adopt a new approach to Cyprus and take concrete steps towards the Turkish Cypriot people based on sovereign equality.

Highlighting the achievements of the TRNC’s Turkish community in the UK in many fields, Keskin said, “Your advocacy of our just demands in all areas will greatly contribute to the success of our just cause.”

As part of his contacts in London, President Tatar will also attend the 40th anniversary ball organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations.

Tatar is also planning to have various meetings in the UK Parliament.