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Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said Türkiye closely follows all developments related to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and remains committed to the peace, prosperity and sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots.
Yilmaz made the remarks upon arriving in Nicosia for a series of meetings, where he was welcomed at Ercan Airport by TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel, Türkiye’s ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Basceri and other officials.
He commemorated the late Dr. Fazil Kucuk on the 42nd anniversary of his death, as well as founding President Rauf Raif Denktas, the martyrs of the Cyprus Peace Operation, veterans and fighters.
Yilmaz said the TRNC’s continued existence as an equal and sovereign state, alongside its social and economic development, is a core objective for Türkiye.
Yilmaz said Türkiye and the TRNC support cooperation in all areas, provided it serves the interests of all people living on the island.
He highlighted the Economic and Financial Cooperation Protocols as the main framework for bilateral ties, noting that a ₺21 billion program, the largest in history, was implemented last year with one of the highest completion rates on record.
He cited projects including the Presidential Complex, the Nicosia Junction, tourism initiatives, and investments in education, health care, transportation and agriculture.
Yilmaz said construction of the Nicosia State Hospital is among the most significant projects aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in health services, with work also ongoing at smaller hospitals.
Yilmaz said the most realistic solution to the Cyprus issue lies in recognizing the reality of two peoples and two states on the island.
He said a fair, lasting and sustainable settlement depends on the registration of Turkish Cypriots’ inherent rights to sovereign equality and equal international status.
As a minimum step, he called for the opening of direct flights, direct trade and direct contacts with the TRNC, and for an end to what he described as nearly half a century of inhumane isolation.
Yilmaz said the existence of two states does not prevent inter-state cooperation and stressed that both the TRNC and Türkiye, as guarantor countries, support cooperation in areas of shared interest.
He said experience shows that it is not the Turkish side but the Greek Cypriot administration that avoids cooperation, citing energy as an example.
Yilmaz said Türkiye offers the shortest and most cost-effective route for energy integration to the island and Europe.
He rejected statements by the Greek Cypriot administration regarding Türkiye’s military presence on the island and said the Turkish Armed Forces have ensured peace and stability for nearly 50 years.
Yilmaz said Türkiye will continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots and oppose restrictions imposed through isolation.
He said Türkiye is a strong state with a deep-rooted tradition and regional economic weight, adding that no one should harbor different expectations regarding the TRNC.
Yilmaz said Türkiye will continue to work in unity and solidarity with Turkish Cypriots to advance gains achieved to date and to build the future together.
Yilmaz was accompanied on the visit by Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chair Huseyin Yayman, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Ahmet Erbas, Deputy Finance Minister Ismail Ilhan Hatipoglu, Deputy Trade Minister Sezai Ucarmak, Deputy Transport Minister Omer Fatih Sayan and Defense Industries President Haluk Gorgun.
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