Erdoğan: We Have Made the TRNC the Shining Star of the Eastern Mediterranean

Erdoğan stated, “No matter which door they close to block the Turkish Cypriots’ path, we always find new doors and new roads to open.” He emphasized that over 800 kilometers of road construction, maintenance, and repair works have connected all parts of the island.

Regarding the New Nicosia State Hospital, which will be built in two phases, Erdoğan said it is among the largest health investments on the island by capacity. He noted that under the Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement, a total of 37 billion Turkish lira has been allocated to the TRNC in the past two years.

“Every step we take, every stone we lay is not just a building, a road, or a facility, but a symbol of our brotherhood, solidarity, and shared belief in the future,” Erdoğan remarked, stressing full harmony with President Ersin Tatar and the TRNC government in building the political and economic future of the Turkish Cypriots.

Starting his speech by congratulating the people of the TRNC on the Peace and Freedom Day, Erdoğan recalled the inauguration of the Presidential Complex in May, marking another milestone. He reiterated that serious progress has been made on projects across Northern Cyprus.

Highlighting the Northern Bypass Overpass project opened that day, Erdoğan explained it will reduce traffic congestion in Nicosia, accelerate connections to Ercan International Airport from Güzelyurt and Lefke, and prevent heavy vehicles from entering the city center. The project will save 2.1 billion lira in time and 77 million lira in fuel annually, and reduce over 4,500 tons of carbon emissions. “Traffic load will decrease, air quality will improve, and Nicosia will breathe,” he said.

On the New Nicosia State Hospital, Erdoğan pointed out the facility will cover 50,000 square meters with an initial capacity of 320 beds, 110 intensive care beds, 12 operating rooms, and 80 outpatient clinics. It will be the largest healthcare investment on the island by bed capacity.

Erdoğan recalled his visit to the old Presidential building, describing it as a “shack” unworthy of a state, and stated, “We did what was fitting, and we did it.”

Addressing critics who previously cited the prosperity of the island’s southern part to undermine the Turkish Cypriots’ resolve, Erdoğan noted that those voices have now fallen silent as the TRNC embarks on an exemplary development path, delivering numerous projects and investments.

He praised President Tatar as a valuable partner in this sincere effort.

In health care, Erdoğan said ten health facilities with a total of 516 beds and 59,000 square meters of space are now operational. The Maraş Health Center has opened, progress is ongoing in Pamuklu and Lapta, and the fourth phase of Güzelyurt Hospital will be operational by year-end. Renovation at Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital is expected to finish next year, and construction of rural outpatient clinics is nearing completion.

Erdoğan underscored tourism’s vital role in the TRNC’s economic growth, noting that Ercan Airport has been modernized to meet contemporary needs, helping position the TRNC as a shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean.

He also emphasized digital transformation efforts that make public services faster and more secure, with fiber infrastructure projects advancing this progress.

Regarding water infrastructure, Erdoğan declared, “We ended the centuries-old water shortage of the Turkish Cypriots,” highlighting revolutionary agricultural irrigation projects that increase productivity in the Mesaoria Plain, along with investments in citrus packing, cold storage, production centers, and livestock supports. Efforts to revive rural development through fisheries and agricultural laboratories were also mentioned.

On education, Erdoğan said maintenance and repairs are complete for 12 schools, ongoing in 13 others, and a new school in Gönyeli will meet much of the region’s demand. Social services such as family support and community centers are also being developed.

On energy and infrastructure, Erdoğan revealed that Turkey is advancing a submarine cable electricity transmission project while deploying seven mobile power plants to secure short-term supply. He said 300 million lira has been allocated to infrastructure projects across 18 municipalities.

“Every step we take and every stone we lay is a symbol of our brotherhood, solidarity, and shared faith in the future. We are here for the unity, togetherness, peace, and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots, and we will always be here,” Erdoğan concluded.

He reiterated full alignment with President Ersin Tatar and the TRNC government in constructing the Turkish Cypriots’ political and economic future.

Erdoğan reaffirmed support for the two-state solution vision put forth by Tatar, stressing the slogan of the event: “Crescent and Star, On the Same Path.”

He called on the international community to reconcile with the realities on the ground and establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations with the TRNC, ending decades of injustice against Turkish Cypriots. Erdoğan expressed firm belief that this will eventually happen.

The speech ended with Erdoğan congratulating the people on 20 July Peace and Freedom Day and thanking all involved in the projects.