Date Added: 11 December 2024

The Northern Cyprus Promotion Platform organized the “Northern Cyprus Economy and Investment Meeting” at the Girne Acapulco Hotel, bringing together approximately 150 businesspeople from Türkiye and Germany.

Tuesday’s event commenced with an opening speech by President Ersin Tatar, who reaffirmed the position of the Turkish Cypriot community as a fundamental entity on the island.

Stressing the historical and geopolitical significance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tatar highlighted the community’s resilience despite international embargoes and isolation.

The platform’s President, Okyay Sadıkoğlu, outlined their mission to bolster the TRNC’s economy by linking domestic investors with global networks.

Sadıkoğlu quoted founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş’s words, “Tell them this is an independent republic,” as a guiding principle, pledging to continue working toward securing recognition of the TRNC as a sovereign state.

Germany Council President Mustafa Baklan expressed commitment to enhancing TRNC’s global presence.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation and promoting TRNC as part of a two-state solution based on equal sovereignty.

President Tatar highlighted the historical ties between TRNC and Türkiye, underscoring Türkiye’s critical role in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity for the Turkish Cypriot people.

He reiterated that the TRNC’s geopolitical significance in the Eastern Mediterranean makes it a vital part of the broader Turkish homeland, despite challenges from Southern Cyprus and international actors.

Tatar also touched on TRNC’s growing tourism, higher education, agriculture, and construction sectors, urging Turkish investors in Germany to consider the TRNC as part of their investment strategies.

He emphasized the need to strengthen economic, cultural, and social ties with the Turkish Cypriot diaspora, noting their significant contributions to the community’s global presence.

Referring to recent geopolitical events, Tatar highlighted the importance of understanding history and recognizing the sacrifices made by Turkish Cypriots to achieve peace and security.

He emphasized the enduring value of the partnership between the TRNC and Türkiye in advancing mutual prosperity.

The summit concluded with a presentation of plaques to President Tatar and other contributors.

Following the opening speeches, sessions were held on various topics, including education, food, tourism, construction, real estate, housing, and finance, aiming to foster further economic collaboration and growth.