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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday that the Turkic world remains "incomplete" without the full participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the Organization of Turkic States.
"We believe the Turkic world family photo will always be incomplete without the presence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," Erdogan said during his address at the organization's informal summit in Budapest, Hungary.
The TRNC, recognized only by Türkiye, gained observer status in the organization in November 2022 during the Samarkand Summit. The territory has sought broader international recognition since the island was divided following Turkey's 1974 military intervention.
During his speech, Erdogan emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor trade route connecting East and West, urging member states to strengthen cooperation to ensure its success.
President Erdogan also drew connections between regional conflicts past and present, noting: "Tragedies that took place in the past in Cyprus, Karabakh, Bosnia, and today in Gaza remind us that we must also consider what lies beyond our borders."
Addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey's diplomatic efforts, stating: "We will continue our intensive contacts with both countries toward achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and a just peace."
Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator in the Ukraine war, maintaining relations with both Moscow and Kyiv while hosting previous negotiations between the warring parties.
The Organization of Turkic States includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan as member states, with Hungary, Northern Cyprus, and Turkmenistan serving as observers.
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