At the 29 October Republic Day reception hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia, Turkey’s Ambassador to TRNC, Yasin Ekrem Serim, delivered a significant speech. The reception welcomed TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, and other prominent figures. After a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was read, Ambassador Serim reiterated his appeal for the international community to grant TRNC its deserved status.

Ambassador Serim stated, “The bi-communal, bi-zonal federation model has long passed its expiration date.” He invited the international community to recognize TRNC and establish diplomatic, political, and economic ties, stressing that Turkey and TRNC are committed to constructive relations with their neighbors. Serim expressed Turkey’s steadfast support for Turkish Cypriots and emphasized that “the Century of Turkey will also be the century for Turkish Cypriots.”

Serim highlighted that the acceptance of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty is key to a lasting solution on the island. He noted that Turkey would continue to rise in its second century, aligning with a vision of peace, stability, and growth. Serim concluded by quoting Atatürk: “How happy is the one who says, ‘I am a Turk.’”