Turkey’s Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz, recently addressed the prospect of Northern Cyprus joining the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as a full member. Yılmaz, meeting with President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the Vice Presidential Residence, expressed hope that Northern Cyprus would soon secure its rightful place within the OTS. He emphasized that close coordination and reciprocal visits highlight the intense cooperation between the two nations.

Yılmaz highlighted President Tatar’s honorary participation in the 11th OTS Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as a significant gesture, noting how pleased they were to see this representation. He conveyed that Turkey remains committed to supporting the TRNC, adding that Turkey stands with the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots. “As the Turkic world increasingly acknowledges the TRNC’s rightful cause, our unity and solidarity will only grow stronger,” he stated.

During their meeting, Yılmaz and Tatar also discussed economic and political projects focused on enhancing the prosperity of Northern Cyprus. Notably, the upcoming 2024 Turkey-TRNC Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement was described as a clear indicator of Turkey’s commitment to the economic stability and development of the TRNC. Yılmaz expressed Turkey’s dedication to helping the TRNC establish a robust economy through extensive collaborative projects in public services, infrastructure, health, and social welfare.

Yılmaz also reiterated Turkey’s stance on a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue that would guarantee the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots. He underscored that a realistic resolution can only be built on the actualities of the island, dismissing past UN parameters that aimed at federal solutions as ineffective. He stated that only by recognizing the TRNC’s sovereign equality and international status can progress toward resolution be achieved.

President Tatar, in turn, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s support, noting that Erdoğan’s messages at the Bishkek Summit emphasized Turkey’s unwavering support for the TRNC. Tatar highlighted that with Turkey’s continuous backing, the TRNC is becoming a more attractive and strategic center in the Eastern Mediterranean, with significant advancements across various sectors in recent years.