Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz hosted President Tatar at his residence in Ankara, the Turkish capital.
In his speech there, Tatar noted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would soon celebrate its 41st anniversary.
Tatar expressed great joy at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remark that “the TRNC is Turkey’s jewel”, highlighting that the messages Erdoğan shared about the TRNC at the 11th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Turkic States Organisation (TDT) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, were also significant.
Tatar said, “The TRNC is one of two states in Cyprus; there are two states, two peoples. When we look at the facts, the TRNC is the embodiment of the Turkish Cypriots’ independence and freedom. Therefore, the world is gradually beginning to recognise that there is no turning back”.
He went on to express his greatest wish for the TRNC to become more competitive and to see long-term growth in key sectors. “Considering the political context and the regional developments, the Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean has made significant strides toward becoming a genuine centre of attraction. Establishing these sectors and fostering this perception has not been an easy feat”, he added.
Tatar also pointed out that over the past 41 years, significant achievements had been made. The decisions taken by Turkey to open up new opportunities for the TRNC had served as a source of motivation for their efforts.
No common ground for negotiations in Cyprus
Tatar also addressed the TRNC’s energy issue, noting that he had raised this matter with the European Union (EU) and the Greek Cypriots. He explained that through a joint electricity project between Turkey and the TRNC, both the Greek Cypriots and the TRNC could easily and quickly connect to the system. “Unfortunately, the stance of the other side and their inability to recognise the TRNC reality means that this process may be delayed somewhat due to this misunderstanding”, he remarked.
Tatar expressed hope that this issue could be resolved through dialogue, which he believes would open up opportunities for cooperation between the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot Administration in other areas.
He reiterated that the TRNC’s policy of “sovereign equality and equal nations”, which it shares with the world, is the right approach. “To begin a constructive negotiation process, we believe we can achieve this by advancing direct trade, direct flights, and direct contact, which we shared with the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar”.
Recalling the informal meeting on 15 October, Tatar highlighted the importance of the UN’s statement that “there is currently no common ground for negotiations in Cyprus”.
Tatar concluded by emphasising that, while talks with the UN are ongoing, the TRNC must continue to strengthen its economic and social structure. He stressed the importance of various collaborative efforts with Turkey, saying, “The fact that President Erdoğan strongly supported the Turkish Cypriots’ just cause in Bishkek and expressed his satisfaction at seeing us there, along with all the Turkic heads of state expressing their desire to see us as full members in the near future, has been a tremendous source of strength for us”.
