FM Ertuğruloğlu: TRNC, Strategic Heart of Turkish World, Always Ready for Regional Security

Ertuğruloğlu delivered his remarks at the TDT Foreign Ministers’ Council Meeting held ahead of the 12th Turkic States Organization (TDT) Summit in Gebele, hosted by Azerbaijan.

He emphasized the importance of the TDT acting not only through cultural and economic ties but also through unified action on security and foreign policy matters in the face of all challenges.

According to diplomatic sources, Ertuğruloğlu congratulated Azerbaijan on assuming the TDT chairmanship and noted:

"It is highly meaningful that this meeting is being held in the historic city of Gebele on the eve of the 5th anniversary of the glorious Karabakh Victory. Once again, we wholeheartedly congratulate the heroic Azerbaijani military and people under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and reaffirm our unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty."

Ertuğruloğlu also expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, TDT Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, and all officials involved.

TRNC’s Strategic Role and Commitment to Regional Peace

Highlighting TRNC’s strategic location in a geopolitically sensitive and unstable region, Ertuğruloğlu stated:

"As the TRNC, we consider establishing lasting peace on the island and its surroundings as our most important and top-priority duty. The path to this lasting peace lies in a fair, realistic solution based on cooperation between two sovereign and equal states."

He underscored that negotiation approaches seeking dominance by one side or ignoring TRNC’s equal sovereignty and international status have been doomed to fail:

"Cyprus is the name of an island, not a single state. There are two distinct peoples and two separate states on this island. Neither state has the right or authority to represent the entire island."

Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that regional peace and stability require not only military and political measures but also respect for international law, good neighborly relations, and enhanced economic cooperation.

Addressing Regional Tensions and Security Challenges

He criticized the ongoing militarization and provocative policies of the Greek Cypriot side in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting that these developments exacerbate instability and threaten the legitimate Palestinian cause. Ertuğruloğlu warned that escalating military activities could trigger a larger threat to peace in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.

"It is clear that the security and survival of the TRNC are closely tied to the unwavering support of our homeland, the Republic of Turkey. Current regional tensions and conflicts underscore the urgency and importance of diplomatic solutions," he added.

He also stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated action against cross-border threats, including irregular migration, emphasizing TRNC’s readiness to contribute to joint strategies.

Ertuğruloğlu noted that lasting peace also depends on the fair and equitable sharing of natural resources such as energy and water. He criticized the Greek Cypriot administration’s unilateral attempts to exploit hydrocarbon resources, calling such efforts futile.

Reiterating TRNC’s role as the strategic heart of the Turkish world in the Eastern Mediterranean, he said:

"The TRNC is always ready to contribute to the security and stability of the region."

International Recognition and Regional Balance

Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that TRNC’s rightful place in the international arena would significantly strengthen regional peace. He underlined the importance of acknowledging the existence of two sovereign and equal states on the island, noting that Turkey’s consistent support under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the UN General Assembly is vital for the recognition of TRNC and the establishment of diplomatic, political, and economic relations.

He concluded by stressing that TDT member states will continue supporting the lifting of isolation and embargoes on the Turkish Cypriot community and act in solidarity on international platforms:

"Let us remember that lasting peace, prosperity, and security—our shared goals—can only be achieved through our unity and solidarity. On this day, marking both the 3rd of October Turkic States Cooperation Day and the 16th anniversary of the TDT founding document, the Nakhchivan Agreement, we are fully confident that the TDT will continue serving peace, prosperity, and stability both within its region and beyond."