The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities based in Türkiye in collaboration with the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa and the Yunus Emre Institute’s Lefkoşa Branch organized a reunion for graduates in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The event held at the Golden Tulip Hotel brought together Turkish Cypriots who graduated from universities in Türkiye.

Among those who attended the event was President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu, the Vice President of the Turks Abroad and Related Communities Abdulhadi Turus, graduates from universities in Türkiye and their families.

Delivering a speech at the event, President Ersin Tatar said that the teachers sent from Türkiye to Cyprus, starting from the British colonial period contributed to the preservation of Turkish Cypriot identity.

Underlining the importance of education, Tatar drew attention to the strong bond that existed between the TRNC and Türkiye.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the TRNC Zorlu Töre said that the Turkish Cypriot people were part of the grand Turkish nation.

He also pointed to the importance of the call made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the recognition of the TRNC, adding that their expectation was to establish closer relations with Turkic states.

The Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu in his speech said that graduates from Turkish universities served in important positions within their own countries.

“It’s not enough to have them graduate. Graduates need to continue their bond once they complete school,” he said.

Feyzioğlu also drew attention to Türkiye’s accomplishments in the field of education, sports and defense, stating that a strong Türkiye meant a strong TRNC.

“Everyone knows that Türkiye and the TRNC given each other strength,” he said.

Also delivering speeches were the Vice President of the Turks Abroad and Related Communities Abdulhadi Turus and Vehbi Zeki Serter who spoke on behalf of Turkish Cypriots who are graduates of Turkish universities.