The Global Climate Change International Conference and the Investments and Cooperation Development Program Summit are being held in Girne.
President Ersin Tatar and Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Yasin Ekrem Serim delivered speeches highlighting the importance of water conservation and the success of the Piped Water Project from Türkiye during the summit.
The 4th International Water Conference and the 7th International Natural Environment Conference were held in cooperation with the Union of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World and Near East University.
The conferences brought together scientists, business representatives and experts in engineering and architecture to discuss issues related to water resources, climate change and sustainable environmental management.
The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı highlighted the importance of the Water Supply Project in addressing the water crisis in the TRNC.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu mentioned efforts to include an environmental course in the curriculum to educate children about environmental protection.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Lefkoşa Yasin Ekrem Serim for his part expressed the goal of increasing agricultural productivity and diversity in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through the utilization of fertile lands and quality water.
He stated that Türkiye supports the TRNC in addressing climate change, reducing pollution, and protecting the environment.
Serim emphasized the potential for investment and cooperation in various sectors beyond tourism and education, including energy, construction, and healthcare.
He also highlighted the recent targeting of the TRNC’s construction sector by the neighboring country and assured Türkiye’s support in overcoming such challenges.
Serim emphasized the importance of sectoral diversification and export-focused production for the growth and improved living standards of the Turkish Cypriot economy.
He expressed readiness to support projects and initiatives that add value to the TRNC economy and mentioned the potential of e-commerce in facilitating trade between the TRNC, Türkiye and international markets.
President Ersin Tatar during his speech at the summit emphasized the importance of water conservation and highlighted the success of the Piped Water Project from Türkiye, which has been providing uninterrupted water to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for nearly 10 years.
He stressed the need to work together with Türkiye and the Turkic world to address the challenges of global warming.
Tatar proposed a radical solution to solve the energy issue in Cyprus by connecting to Türkiye via a cable, which would be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Expressing disappointment that some European Union mechanisms were blocked due to opposition to the project, Tatar urged support for the project, stating that it would benefit both communities and humanity.
He also emphasized the importance of taking measures to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future.
In recognition of his efforts, Tatar was awarded the Turkish World Distinguished Service Medal.