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The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) welcomed a declaration from a summit of Turkic states that emphasized his territory's importance within the broader Turkish world, calling it evidence of solidarity with Turkish Cypriots' quest for equal rights.
Declaration marks diplomatic breakthrough for TRNC recognition
TRNC President Ersin Tatar issued a written statement regarding the outcome declaration from the Organization of Turkic States summit held in Budapest, Hungary. Tatar described the language in the declaration as a "turning point" for TRNC's position within the Turkish world, its vision for a solution, and its legitimate demands.
The TRNC leader highlighted the significance of the declaration's identification of his territory alongside Hungary and Turkmenistan as integral parts of the Turkish world, and noted satisfaction with contributions made in an observer capacity.
"This is an indicator of solidarity shown for the Turkish Cypriot people's inherent desire to secure their fundamental equal rights," Tatar said regarding the declaration's strong emphasis that the Cyprus issue should reach a solution based on existing realities on the island that is mutually acceptable and implementable.
Tatar stated that the TRNC's physical absence from the Budapest summit did not overshadow this reality, recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's words that "a family photo without the TRNC would be incomplete." The TRNC president also noted that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statement that "TRNC is an inseparable part of our family council" confirmed this position at the diplomatic level.
Emphasizing Türkiye's principled defense of the Turkish Cypriot people's rightful struggle throughout history, Tatar said, "Türkiye's unwavering support is not only a guarantee, but also an assurance of regional justice and strategic balance."
He stated that the bonds of brotherhood felt toward all members of the Turkish world are based not only on culture, but on political determination and a common future.
Tatar characterized the current situation in Cyprus as unsustainable, recalling that the Greek Cypriot side forcibly expelled Turkish Cypriots from the partnership republic in 1963 and effectively usurped the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, who were one of the two founding partners.
The TRNC leader noted that Greek Cypriot leadership continues to unilaterally use the title "Republic of Cyprus," arguing this disrupts the legitimate representation order on the island, prevents Turkish side representation in the international arena, and systematically rejects equal rights.
Tatar stated that this approach by the Greek Cypriot side contradicts international norms and reflects a mentality opposed to a human rights-based order. He noted that despite all injustices, the Turkish Cypriot people continue to stand by their state, will, and vision.
"The TRNC is an honorable member of the Turkish world, a carrier of regional stability, resistance, and justice. Our path is clear, our stance is definite," Tatar concluded.
The Organization of Turkic States includes Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan as full members, with several observer states and partner countries.
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