Nicosia:Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu declared the TRNC as the "honor and prestige of the Turkish nation" ahead of its 43rd founding anniversary. He emphasized the enduring legacy of the state, established by Turkish Cypriots through a struggle inspired by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Ertugruloglu reflected on the historical resistance of the Turkish Cypriots against Greek Cypriot domination and highlighted the significance of their struggle for the broader Turkic world. He stressed that the Cyprus issue remains a national cause for Turkey and asserted that the TRNC would continue to protect the rights of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ertugruloglu underscored the importance of the TRNC's independence declared on November 15, 1983, following years of resistance. He argued that the Greek Cypriot efforts to eliminate the Turkish presence in Cyprus were resisted by Turkish Cypriots before 1974, and he expressed confidence in the TRNC's future.

He called on Turkic nations to prioritize the TRNC, which is an observer in the Organization of Turkic States, and emphasized the state as a symbol of the struggle of oppressed peoples worldwide. He noted that major powers with imperial ambitions hinder closer relations with the TRNC.

Ertugruloglu concluded by urging countries in the Turkic world to enhance their diplomatic, political, and economic relations with the TRNC, expressing confidence in the state's future significance for the Turkic world.