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The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) celebrated the 42nd anniversary of its founding and the Nov. 15 Republic Day on Saturday with official ceremonies, military parades and high-level participation from Türkiye and the wider region.
The day began in the capital with President Tufan Erhurman receiving congratulations at the Presidential Palace, followed by a ceremony at the Nicosia Ataturk Monument, where officials laid wreaths after the national anthem and a moment of silence.
President Tufan Erhurman, Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Turkish Air Forces Commander Orgeneral Rafet Dalkiran signed the monument’s special book before the celebrations continued with a military parade on Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard.
The parade was attended by Vice President Yilmaz, Parliament Speaker Ziya Ozturkler, Prime Minister Unal Ustel, High Court President Bertan Ozerdag, former President Mehmet Ali Talat, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Basceri, top military officials, political delegations, civil society organizations and citizens.
Representatives from TRNC, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chair Ozgur Ozel, were also present. Military units, students, commandos and armored vehicles took part in the parade, applauded by spectators.
Military parades were held across major cities, including Girne, Gazimagusa, Guzelyurt and Lefke.
Turkish naval ships were opened to public visits in Girne and Gazimagusa, while the Turkish Stars aerobatic team prepared for a demonstration over Girne.
Speaking during the parade, Yilmaz said Türkiye’s support for the Turkish Cypriots continues unwaveringly.
“Let the whole world know that Türkiye stood by the Turkish Cypriot people on July 20, 1974, on Nov. 15, 1983, stands by them today, and will stand by them tomorrow and forever,” he said.
Yilmaz honored TRNC's founding leaders and the heroes of the 1974 Peace Operation and emphasized that TRNC is the guarantee of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereignty and freedom.
He criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for what he described as 60 years of avoiding responsibility and deepening injustices.
He added that the gains achieved by the Turkish Cypriots show the importance of having a sovereign state and political equality.
Yilmaz underlined that a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots’ inherent rights; sovereign equality and equal international status.
He highlighted Türkiye’s continued economic cooperation with TRNC, referring to infrastructure, health, education, digitalization and transportation projects.
These include new hospitals, school renovations, fiber internet infrastructure, e-government systems, road projects and agricultural initiatives.
“We will continue to work for TRNC's development in every field,” Yilmaz said, adding that Türkiye’s commitment is aimed at ensuring the security, future and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also marked the anniversary with a public message, saying a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is only possible with the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality and equal international status.
“Türkiye will always stand with TRNC,” he said.
As part of the anniversary events, President Tufan Erhurman welcomed guests during a congratulatory reception at the Presidential Palace in Lefkosa (Nicosia).
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