Istanbul: The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) affirmed on Tuesday that achieving a two-state solution for the Cyprus issue remains a central objective. "The goal and aspiration of us all is a two-state solution, and it is the right thing to do," stated President Ersin Tatar during a press conference following a ceremony in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tatar highlighted the progress made in enhancing the TRNC's diplomatic standing on international platforms, attributing this success to the two-state policy supported by Turkey over the last five years. He pointed to the TRNC's participation in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as evidence of successful foreign policy efforts.

Tatar expressed concerns over the federal solution model, arguing that it presents significant risks for Turkish Cypriots. He warned that such a model could marginalize Turkish Cypriots, lead to Turkey's withdrawal from Cyprus, and eliminate Turkey's role as a guarantor, thereby weakening Turkish influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He further emphasized the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean, suggesting that the TRNC should be considered comprehensively, inclusive of its maritime jurisdictions, continental shelf, exclusive economic zones, and airspace. Tatar quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, asserting that the TRNC will continue to be a prominent Turkish state in the region.

During a reception in Istanbul celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, Tatar reiterated that Turkish soldiers would remain in the TRNC as a deterrent. He assured that Turkish Cypriots are not isolated, emphasizing the significance of the "Blue Homeland" for the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Turkic world.

Tatar concluded that any agreement on the Cyprus issue must be honorable, with Turkey as a guarantor and Turkish military presence as a deterrent, to be deemed acceptable by Turkish Cypriots.

On the economic front, Tatar noted the strengthening ties between Turkey and the TRNC, with annual trade volume nearing $3 billion. He mentioned trade relations with over 100 countries and significant advancements in tourism, particularly through the Closed Maras initiative, which has been partially opened to the public.