Tatar: "The TRNC is a Success Story in the Eastern Mediterranean"

The TRNC Economy Summit is being held today at the Acapulco Hotel in Kyrenia. The opening speeches of the summit were delivered by President Ersin Tatar, President of the Northern Cyprus Promotion Platform Okyay Sadıkoğlu, and the Chairman of the Northern Cyprus Promotion Platform Germany Council, Mustafa Baklan.

The summit, which is attended by Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, will see businesspeople, particularly from Germany, exploring investment opportunities in the TRNC.

Throughout the day, presentations will be made on various topics such as economy, education, food, tourism, construction, real estate, housing, and finance.

Tatar's Remarks

In his speech, President Tatar noted that the TRNC, celebrating its 41st anniversary, continues to grow stronger by enhancing its relations with the motherland, Turkey. Tatar explained that during Cyprus' time as a British colony, many Turkish Cypriots migrated to the UK and Australia, with more Turkish Cypriots living abroad than on the island today. He emphasized the importance of increasing ties with the Turkish Cypriot diaspora.

He also pointed out that migration from Turkey to Germany had occurred, and today, there are 4 million Turks living in Germany. Tatar stated that the 100 million Turks living in Turkey and abroad represent the greatest strength of Turkish Cypriots, and expressed a desire to see investors from Germany in the TRNC. "This is also your homeland, the land of your country," Tatar remarked.

Tatar highlighted the development of relations with countries in the Turkic States Organization, stating, "The TRNC is the southernmost independent Turkish state and the gateway to the Mediterranean." He criticized opposition groups for downplaying these developments.

Tatar also commented on the efforts of the Greek Cypriots to politically and economically undermine the TRNC, stating, "They will never succeed in destroying us. Behind us are 100 million Turks... If we live in peace, security, and tranquility here, we owe it to the Turkish people."

Referring to those who dream of a united Cyprus with the Greek Cypriots, Tatar emphasized that they would always oppose any efforts to sever relations with Turkey, including proposals to remove Turkish troops and guarantees. He reiterated that the TRNC would not negotiate without the recognition of sovereign equality and equal international status.

Tatar also addressed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to only meet with the Greek Cypriot Administration, criticizing the omission of the Turkish Cypriot people from the discussions.

Tatar responded to remarks that there is no Cypriot nation, stating that while one may be born in Cyprus, there is no such thing as a "Cypriot nation." He reiterated that there are Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

Emphasizing the importance of two-state solutions in the Cyprus issue, Tatar reaffirmed that Turkey's guarantee and the presence of Turkish soldiers are red lines.

Tatar concluded by reiterating that the success of the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean was hard-earned through immense pain and suffering. He also stressed the importance of learning from history, particularly in light of the situation in Gaza, to shape a better future.

Finally, Tatar highlighted the investment opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism, construction, and real estate in the TRNC, inviting investors from Germany to explore these sectors.