Cevdet Yılmaz: Greek Cypriot Steps Will Not Go Unanswered

“We Are Implementing the Most Comprehensive Cooperation Protocol in TRNC History”

Yılmaz emphasized that each visit further strengthens the ties between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He stated that the newly signed protocol, worth approximately 21 billion TL, spans a wide range of sectors including healthcare, education, municipal services, and technology.

He added that site visits would be conducted to institutions supported under the protocol, underlining the importance of putting comprehensive development goals into action.

“President Erdoğan’s International Peace Diplomacy Is the Clearest Sign of Turkey’s Commitment to Peace and Resolution”

Touching on international diplomacy, Yılmaz stressed that Turkey consistently advocates for peace, resolution, and diplomacy. He pointed to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s peace diplomacy as concrete proof of this stance and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to the two-state solution vision presented in Geneva.

“We Will Not Remain Silent in the Face of Greek Cypriot Moves Targeting Investors in TRNC”

Yılmaz condemned recent actions taken by the Greek Cypriot side against investors in the TRNC, declaring that these steps would not go unanswered.

He noted that he would be holding meetings with President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and other officials during his visit. One of the key stops was the Cold Storage Facility in Morphou, which he said was vital for protecting citrus products, warning that failure to preserve produce could result in significant losses.

Youth, Technology, and Strategic Development Priorities

Yılmaz said meeting with young people was a key part of the visit and would take place at the Güzelyurt Municipality’s Book Café, where he would listen to their views. He emphasized that human capital is the most valuable asset of any society and that youth perspectives are essential for guiding development.

He also discussed ongoing projects at the METU Northern Cyprus Campus and announced that he would visit the Kalkanlı Technology Valley. He highlighted the strategic importance of technological production for independence and prosperity and said making technology a driver of social development was a top priority.

“Despite Marginal Protests, TRNC Gave the Best Response with Its Participation in TEKNOFEST”

Yılmaz noted with satisfaction the Turkish Cypriot public’s strong interest in technology at TEKNOFEST, stating that despite attempts at protest by marginal groups, the public gave a powerful and positive response through its participation. While global economic challenges persist, he said, neither Turkey nor the TRNC would rely on anyone’s mercy and would continue to prioritize diplomatic solutions.

“As a Guarantor State, Turkey Will Always Stand by the Turkish Cypriots”

Yılmaz reiterated that Turkey, as a guarantor state, would always support the Turkish Cypriots. Referring to the Geneva process, he said a cooperative atmosphere between two states had emerged. He criticized recent actions by the Greek Cypriot side targeting investors in the TRNC, warning once again that these moves would not be left unanswered.