VP Yılmaz: "The International Community Must Recognize the TRNC"

He stated that a solution to the Cyprus issue must be built on the realities of the island, underlining that only such an approach would result in a fair, lasting, and sustainable resolution.

Yılmaz noted that the federation model was no longer a viable option and reaffirmed Turkey's continued support for the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots as the motherland and guarantor state.

He highlighted that despite the unjust embargoes and isolation that have been imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people for decades, resulting in violations of their basic human rights in areas such as sports, education, and transportation, Turkey will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots in every field they need.

Yılmaz also shared his satisfaction after observing the progress made by the TRNC, stating, “As the TRNC develops, we are happy to see that the Turkish Cypriot people live in better conditions.”

Following a meeting with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Yılmaz expressed his pleasure in hosting him and noted the TRNC's remarkable developments, such as the ongoing construction of key government buildings and the opening of the 24 December 1963 Girne Military Hospital, which will offer services to Turkish Cypriots and Turkish citizens.

Regarding the Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement of 2024, Yılmaz reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to continue collaborating with the TRNC government on various projects to ensure the TRNC's self-sufficiency.

He also pointed out the importance of the TRNC's relationships with Turkish states and expressed confidence that these ties would continue to strengthen. The recent invitation of TRNC President Ersin Tatar to the 11th Summit of the Turkic States Organization in Bishkek on November 6 was seen as a significant step in this regard.

On the Cyprus issue, Yılmaz fully supported President Tatar’s vision for a solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status, and he reiterated Turkey’s stance that the federation model is no longer an option due to the Greek Cypriot side's intransigence. Yılmaz stressed that Turkey, as a guarantor state, will continue to defend the Turkish Cypriot people's legitimate cause.