Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was also received by the Speaker of Parliament Ziya Öztürkler.

In his remarks during the meeting, Speaker Öztürkler expressed his pleasure in welcoming Fidan to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and thanked him for his efforts to increase the international visibility of the TRNC.

Underlining the importance of the TRNC’s representation, bilateral engagements, and participation in meetings within organizations like the Organization of Turkic States and TURKPA, made possible with the support of the Republic of Türkiye, Öztürkler expressed hope that the TRNC’s observer membership would be elevated to full membership.

Reminding Turkish President Erdoğan’s three appeals at the UN General Assembly for the recognition of the TRNC, the Parliamentary Speaker expressed his gratitude for these efforts.

On the Cyprus issue, Öztürkler touched upon the strategic moves made by Türkiye and the TRNC in energy, political, and security matters, stressing the significance of this cooperation.

He reiterated the full support of both the TRNC and Türkiye for their joint efforts and new policies aimed at securing the recognition of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, including sovereign equality and equal international status.

Noting that the construction of the new assembly building was nearing completion, the Öztürkler stated that they would soon move into the modern and well-equipped building, constructed with Türkiye’s support, which would also serve as an important symbol of representation.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the unjust isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots over the past 50 years had now turned into a crime against humanity.

He also pointed out that, knowingly or unknowingly, there were silent accomplices to this situation.

“As Türkiye, we are striving to minimize the impact of these isolations on the Turkish Cypriot people. We will continue to enhance our cooperation with the TRNC through all our institutions and organizations. As you know, a reality has emerged on the island over the past 50 years: The presence of two separate peoples and two separate administrations. Cyprus must proceed with a two-state governance model. Proposals that even the Greek Cypriot side does not accept do not contribute to a real solution” Fidan said.

“A resolution that does not recognize the independence of both states cannot succeed. Life goes on, children grow up, and the economy develops. Trying to implement a forced approach within this reality is not practical on the international stage. It is clear that this region will experience significant development, and with a two-state solution, economic growth, peace, and cooperation will increase. However, those who lack the courage to even voice this idea continue to preserve their political positions without challenging the status quo, but this does not bring about a solution” Turkish Foreign Minister added.

“The island must move forward with a two-state solution. Therefore, we call on the international community to support this approach. Everyone knows that a solution forcing the Turkish Cypriots to become a minority under the other side is not feasible” he stressed.

Noting that since the transition to a bi-zonal arrangement in 1974, there had been no war or bloodshed, the Greek Cypriot side had developed its economy, and the Turkish Cypriot side had followed its own path, Fidan questioned why this reality had not yet been institutionalized through a sovereign, equal, and two-state solution.