Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated, “The recognition of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, in other words, their sovereign equality and equal international status, will pave the way for a solution. It is undoubtedly the wish of all of us for the two neighboring states on the island to live side by side in good relations and contribute together to regional stability and prosperity.” Yılmaz met with President Ersin Tatar at the Presidential Complex in Türkiye. Before the meeting, Yılmaz explained that mutual visits reflect the close cooperation and coordination between the two countries, adding that they would have a comprehensive discussion on the shared agenda.

Yılmaz emphasized that they would discuss the current stage of the Cyprus issue and exchange views on future forecasts and priorities. He also highlighted that they always prioritize addressing developments in political and economic fields through projects aimed at ensuring the welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Yılmaz reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to taking necessary steps to ensure the welfare and sustainable economy of the Turkish Cypriots, reminding that they had announced the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with the TRNC government in January.

• “We fully support the two-state solution approach” Yılmaz mentioned that the development plan not only provides a strong infrastructure for cooperation but also forms an important foundation for the welfare of the Turkish Cypriots. He stated that in 2024, within the framework of the Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement, healthcare infrastructure in the TRNC had been strengthened, critical investments were made in infrastructure, more public services were digitized through e-Government projects, and the private sector, especially entrepreneurship, was supported.

Yılmaz continued, “With projects implemented across a wide range of areas from education to agriculture, transportation to real sector support, we have accelerated the development of the TRNC.” He added that the 2025 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement, aligned with the Development Plan, would soon be signed with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel to begin a new period of cooperation.

Yılmaz emphasized that a fair, lasting, and realistic solution to the Cyprus issue, guaranteeing the inherent rights and security of the Turkish Cypriot people, is one of Türkiye’s top priorities. He reaffirmed their full support for President Tatar’s two-state solution approach, which is based on the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots.

• “We will continue working for the further development and strengthening of the TRNC” Yılmaz emphasized that Türkiye is committed to ensuring the security and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people as a motherland and guarantor, noting that the international community should recognize the TRNC and establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations with it.

He mentioned that an expanded-format, informal meeting on Cyprus would be held in Geneva on March 17-18, where discussions will focus on how to move forward with the Cyprus issue.

Yılmaz expressed hopes for constructive steps during the upcoming Geneva meetings and emphasized that the approach of seeking a solution based on fairness and consensus will continue.

Yılmaz also invited everyone to attend the TEKNOFEST event in Nicosia, from May 1-4, and expressed his belief that it would greatly benefit the technological infrastructure in Cyprus, especially the young people. He also stressed that the youth will overcome the obstacles of isolation and contribute to the economy and society through technology and innovation.