Arıklı emphasised the benefits of including Famagusta Port in the Organisation of Turkic States “Sister Ports” programme, noting that it would be advantageous for both the member states and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
He noted that they have been awaiting the outcome of their application, submitted a year ago, to allow ships from the Organisation of Turkic States to use the Famagusta Port. Arıklı stated, “We aim for Famagusta Port, the most fortified location in the Eastern Mediterranean, to become a hub for the Turkic states“.
In his statement to Anadolu Agency, Arıklı explained that they applied as an observer member of the Organisation of Turkic States to include the Famagusta Port in the “Sister Ports” programme. He recalled that the issue was raised again at the Informal Summit of Heads of State of the organisation held in Shusha, Azerbaijan.
Expressing their desire for the Famagusta Port to be part of the “Sister Ports” programme, Arıklı stressed the importance of support from Turkey, as they have always relied on it in the past.
Minister Arıklı pointed out that the European Union has not imposed an official embargo on the ports of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He stated that their application to the Organisation of Turkic States for the inclusion of the Famagusta Port included a letter affirming, “There is no decision regarding TRNC ports as banned or embargoed ports”.
*Member countries of the Organisation of Turkic States are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan
