Türkiye’s Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz, emphasized the need for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) following his meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in Ankara.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Yılmaz reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC and called for the global community to establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations with the state.
The Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on Wednesday stated that only solutions grounded in the realities of the island would be just, lasting, and sustainable.
He dismissed the federation model, citing its repeated failures due to the uncompromising stance of the Greek Cypriot side, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the two-state vision advocated by President Ersin Tatar.
“President Tatar’s vision of sovereign equality and equal international status for the TRNC forms the basis of our support. As emphasized by President Erdoğan during the 79th UN General Assembly, the international community must now recognize the TRNC and engage with it politically, diplomatically, and economically,” Yılmaz stated.
Highlighting Türkiye’s contributions, Yılmaz noted the recent opening of the 24 December 1963 Girne Military Hospital, which will initially provide outpatient services to Turkish and TRNC citizens.
He also inspected the construction progress of the TRNC Presidential and Parliamentary complexes, expressing confidence in their timely completion.
Under the 2024 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement, Yılmaz assured continued collaboration on projects to strengthen the TRNC’s self-sufficiency across various sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, and technology.
Yılmaz criticized the decades-long embargoes and isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, which he said violate fundamental human rights in areas such as sports, education, and travel.
“We are determined to support the Turkish Cypriot people in every necessary area. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in this just struggle, and we are fully committed to further advancing these gains through joint actions,” Yılmaz declared.
Yılmaz also praised the TRNC’s growing relations with Turkic states, noting the significance of President Tatar’s recent participation as a guest of honor at the 11th Turkic States Organization Summit in Bishkek. He expressed confidence that these relations would continue to deepen, further integrating the TRNC into the international community.
Concluding his remarks, Yılmaz reaffirmed Türkiye’s dual commitment to providing economic and political support to the TRNC.
“The TRNC is not alone. Türkiye, as its motherland and guarantor, will continue to stand firmly by its side, advocating for its rightful place in the global arena,” he said.