TRNC and Azerbaijan to Collaborate on Local Governance

The protocol, signed by Mahmut Özçınar, President of the Turkish Cypriot Municipalities Union and Mayor of Güzelyurt, and Tamraz Taghiyev, President of the Union of Municipalities of Azerbaijan and Mayor of Nerimanov, outlines a framework for effective communication and information exchange between local governments of the two nations under the coordination of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities.

Özçınar highlighted that this protocol aims to accelerate efforts in social, cultural, and economic cooperation and to promote "brotherhood in municipalities." He noted that this agreement follows a previous cooperation protocol signed with the Turkish Union of Municipalities, marking a significant step in their longstanding relationship with Azerbaijan.

Taghiyev expressed his pleasure in being in the TRNC and emphasized the importance of continued partnerships and brother city relationships, stating, “Every Turkish state is our soul and blood. We are proud to be in this beautiful country.”

Interior Minister Oğuz emphasized the protocol's significance for the TRNC's international recognition. He recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's calls for the lifting of isolation on the TRNC during the UN General Assembly and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's support for the TRNC's recognition, highlighting that the TRNC flag will fly in Azerbaijan.

Oğuz noted that the recent interactions between President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel with Azerbaijan have led to important political, economic, and social developments, expressing hope for further collaborations with other Turkish states.

Following the speeches, the protocol was officially signed, and a commemorative photo was taken. The agreement includes plans for joint projects in various fields such as education, health, youth and sports, tourism, cultural heritage preservation, environment, energy, and infrastructure, aiming to foster economic and cultural ties through sister city relationships and encourage cooperation among businesspeople to support local development.