Tatar: “TRNC Is an Inseparable Part of the Turkish World”

The Nicosia Connectivity and Development Forum, organised by Ahmet Yesevi University, opened under the theme “Globalising Turkish World and the TRNC.”

President Ersin Tatar emphasised that the Turkish Cypriot community has preserved its existence through great sacrifices over history and continues today under an independent state. He stated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an inseparable and integral part of the Turkish world.

Tatar highlighted the hardships endured by the Turkish Cypriot people throughout their long struggle, noting the many martyrs and the community’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its honour and survival.

Recalling his youth, Tatar said he followed Alparslan Türkeş’ vision of the Turkish world, which he initially found hard to grasp but which became reality following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He underlined the historical significance of the independence of Turkish states and their unification under the Turkish States Organisation.

Tatar also paid tribute to Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Denktaş, recognising their leadership in establishing the TRNC as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

“President Erdoğan’s Call Is of Historic Importance”

Tatar reiterated that Turkey has always been the “motherland” and described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent call at the UN General Assembly to formally recognise the TRNC—stating that the era of federation is over—as historically significant. He added that this stance reflects the decisions of the National Security Council and Turkey’s official policy.

“Two-State Vision Must Be Recognised and Accepted”

Tatar criticised past federal solution attempts, noting that the Greek Cypriot side’s “no” to the Annan Plan yet acceptance into the European Union was a major injustice. He rejected proposals for “zero troops, zero guarantees” and called on all parties to recognise and accept the two-state vision as essential for the security and future of the Turkish Cypriot people.

He stressed that his supporting political parties and national institutions back this vision, while some opposition circles continue old habits, but the right path will ultimately prevail.

“TRNC Holds Strategic and Economic Value”

Tatar highlighted TRNC’s observer status in the Turkish States Organisation as a major achievement and described the TRNC as the southernmost independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean. Referring to Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev’s advice to pay attention to the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar emphasised the strategic importance of the Karpaz region. He stated, “The TRNC is valuable not only spiritually but also strategically and economically.”

“Two-State Agreement Could Boost Progress”

Tatar cited ongoing projects with Turkey—including the Water Supply Project, fibre-optic network, roads, airport, and energy investments—highlighting that the TRNC has grown despite isolation. He noted that Cyprus has potential to develop like Dubai or Singapore and that a two-state agreement could allow TRNC and Southern Cyprus to cooperate in economic, commercial, tourism, and technology sectors via Turkish ports, creating significant momentum and an influential international position.

Emphasising the importance of passing on unity and solidarity with the Turkish world to younger generations, Tatar concluded: “Our goal is to expand cooperation in economic, cultural, tourism, and technology areas to serve both our country and the Turkish world.”

The forum’s outcomes will be published as a book for the Turkish world, with Tatar expressing his gratitude to all contributors and wishing the results success.