Lefkosa: Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman met on Friday to discuss key economic projects in the region. Accompanying Yilmaz during his visit to the TRNC capital were Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Turkey's Ambassador to the TRNC Ali Murat Basceri.
According to Anadolu Agency, reciprocal visits between Turkey and the TRNC are seen as significant indicators of their shared history and common future. Yilmaz emphasized the importance of maintaining close consultation and coordination on strategic issues, international platforms, and national matters. He reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting projects that improve the welfare of Turkish Cypriots and strengthen the region's production capacity, thus providing a more prosperous future for young people.
Yilmaz underscored that the rights, freedom, and security of Turkish Cypriots are integral to Turkey's national cause, not merely a foreign policy issue. As a guarantor state, Turkey will continue to support Turkish Cypriots, advocating for their cause on international platforms and working towards a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution based on sovereign equality.
During the visit, Yilmaz also participated in the signing ceremony of an agreement to develop a 101-kilometer undersea natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the TRNC. He highlighted that the introduction of natural gas will bolster energy security, support economic development, and enhance competitiveness, especially in electricity generation. Energy security, Yilmaz noted, is crucial for economic stability and competitiveness. Meeting the energy needs of the TRNC remains a priority for Turkey, which is committed to supporting the development of a strong infrastructure and a sustainable economy in the region.
"I firmly believe this step in the energy sector will be a historic milestone that will further strengthen the strong cooperation between our countries," Yilmaz stated.
The backdrop to these developments is the long-standing dispute in Cyprus, a conflict that has persisted for decades between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite numerous diplomatic efforts by the UN for a comprehensive settlement. The situation dates back to ethnic attacks in the early 1960s and escalated with a 1974 coup by Greek Cypriots aimed at annexing the island to Greece, which prompted Turkey's military intervention. This led to the founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. Efforts for peace have been ongoing, with a notable 2017 initiative in Switzerland involving Turkey, Greece, and the UK failing to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot Administration joined the European Union in 2004, the same year a UN plan to resolve the conflict was blocked by Greek Cypriots.