President Ersin Tatar is continuing his contacts in Australia.
Tatar, who is Melbourne, attended a reception hosted in his honour by Doğan Işık, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye.
During his address at the Melbourne Consulate Residence, President Tatar emphasized the importance of unity among Turkish Cypriots living in Australia, stating, “You are our voice in this significant and influential country, thousands of kilometres away from our homeland.”
Tatar highlighted the ongoing quest of the Turkish Cypriot people for justice, equal treatment, equal opportunities, and equal status.
He declared that it is time to turn a new page for Cyprus, advocating for the recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status.
Tatar called on the international community to support a solution based on the realities of the island, acknowledging the existence of two peoples, two democracies, and two states in Cyprus.
He condemned the continued injustices and inhumane isolation faced by the Turkish Cypriot community, urging the fulfilment of international promises to end these hardships.
Tatar outlined his new vision as President, which centres on a resolution grounded in sovereign equality and equal international status, criticizing the Greek Cypriot side’s obstructive policies and refusal to share governance and resources.
He noted that decades of federal solution negotiations have failed, culminating in the unsuccessful talks at Crans-Montana in July 2017.
President Tatar emphasized the need to consider new solutions outside the federal framework, aiming for a cooperative relationship between the two states for the benefit of the island and the region.
He also mentioned the unfulfilled promises regarding the lifting of isolations, direct flights, direct trade, and allowing Turkish Cypriot youth to participate in major international sports events under their own flag.
Furthermore, President Tatar highlighted the TRNC’s acceptance as an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in 2022, with full support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish government, and the ongoing development of relations with Turkic countries in various fields.
He underscored the geopolitical and strategic importance of Cyprus, calling it a national cause for both Türkiye and the TRNC.
Victorian State Parliament Ministers, including Natalie Süleyman, Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth, also attended the reception.
Minister Süleyman praised the contributions of Turkish Cypriots to the multicultural fabric of Victoria, home to Australia’s largest Turkish community.
She celebrated the success stories of immigrants throughout the community and the pride in their diversity, culture, and language, highlighting these as key aspects that make Victoria special.
Meanwhile, as part of his other contacts in Melbourne, President Ersin Tatar participated in the symbolic ceremony marking the renovation of the North Cyprus Turkish Community Centre in Victoria.
According to information from the President’s Office, President Tatar also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 53-space parking area at the center.
The symbolic opening included a ribbon-cutting event, where President Tatar expressed gratitude to those whose vision and determination made the renovation possible.
He highlighted the center’s historical significance, stating, “I am proud to see that the center, by organizing weekly meetings and luncheons, as well as social activities and events for Turkish Cypriots living in Melbourne, plays a vital role in teaching our language, culture, traditions, and social welfare.”
“Although the renovation is not fully complete, I believe the extensive updates to the community center will enable it to provide more activities and services for Turkish Cypriots living in Australia,” he remarked.
The president also noted the 80th anniversary of Turkish Cypriots’ arrival in Australia, adding, “The community center offers people opportunities to socialize, learn, and access essential services.