In an interview with Habertürk, Yılmaz addressed a variety of issues. He emphasised that since the Peace Operation, the Turkish side in Cyprus has always sought a resolution and never abandoned negotiations, unlike the Greek side, which does not see the Turkish side as an equal and wants to control the entire island.
Despite unfair embargoes, (recently, British politician Sir Iain Duncan Smith visited North Cyprus and said that direct flights from the UK to Ercan were not illegal), the TRNC has made significant progress in infrastructure, economy, universities, and tourism. The Parliament and Presidential buildings are set to be finished by the end of the year.
In June 2021, the first steps to build a new presidential palace were announced in the Official Gazette.
The new palace, which was projected to cost 14 million Turkish lira at that time, caused a great deal of controversy given the financial problems caused by the pandemic and the devalued lira.
Turkish President Erdogan gifted the cost of the palace to President Tatar. The land in Lefkoşa Aydemet district and Ortaköy district on which it is being constructed, has been demilitarised. Critics called the new palace “showy” and said the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Yılmaz stated that Turkey continues to support the TRNC in becoming an equal and sovereign member of the international community and improving the welfare and economy of Turkish Cypriots. Efforts for the recognition of the TRNC are ongoing, with strong relations particularly with Azerbaijan and within platforms like İSEDAK, where the TRNC holds observer status.
Regarding recent discussions about Israel using South Cyprus as a military logistics base, Yılmaz responded that the island does not need more military tensions. Instead, the Greek side should work with the TRNC as two separate states to find a beneficial solution for all. He warned against external interventions and highlighted the need for regional cooperation to prevent imperialistic influences, which have historically been detrimental.
Yılmaz concluded by stating that while Turkey seeks peaceful and cooperative regional projects, it remains prepared to respond strongly to any military threats, backed by its powerful army and defence industry.
