President Ersin Tatar, attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasized Turkey's growing role and influence in global affairs, noting how the changing global dynamics have made Turkey a stronger actor on the international stage. He reiterated the importance of Turkey's support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call for the recognition of the TRNC, which left a significant mark on the General Assembly.

Tatar underlined Erdoğan’s message, which was delivered for the third time at the UN General Assembly, calling for the recognition of the TRNC and the lifting of isolations. He expressed that the voice of the Turkish Cypriots, which had previously been stifled, was now heard loud and clear through Erdoğan’s powerful statements.

In his address, Tatar emphasized Turkey's rights in the north and west of the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the Turkish Cypriots' rights over the island’s resources, particularly in terms of energy distribution. He pointed out that Turkey, as a guarantor country, has an obligation to protect both its own rights and the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

Tatar also highlighted the growing importance of the TRNC within the region's geopolitical context and acknowledged Erdoğan’s statement that the federation model has lost its validity. He reiterated the need for the recognition of Turkish Cypriots' sovereign equality and international status, stressing that the TRNC will not be part of any negotiation process without these conditions.

Diplomatic Contacts in New York

During his time in New York, Tatar met with President Erdoğan and held several discussions with business leaders, ministers, and officials from various countries. He also engaged with civil society groups and discussed the TRNC's national cause and the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Tatar highlighted that recent geopolitical developments, including the Gaza conflict and Turkey's relations with Libya and Egypt, have shifted the dynamics in the region, further increasing the significance of the TRNC. He pointed out that the TRNC is now seen as an independent Turkish state playing a vital role in these regional issues.

Observer Membership in the Organization of Turkic States

Tatar reminded that the TRNC is an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States, serving as a bridge to the Mediterranean for the broader Turkish world. He expressed that Turkey's growing power, under Erdoğan’s leadership, reflects positively on the TRNC.

Support for Two-State Solution

Tatar reiterated that Turkey's strong stance on supporting the TRNC has fundamentally changed the balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. He emphasized that peace and stability on the island can only be sustained through the recognition of two separate states. He rejected any negotiations that would reverse the progress made since 1974 and insisted that a new agreement must lead to a better situation for the TRNC.

Cyprus Issue and Regional Security

Tatar also touched on the increasing defense cooperation between the United States and the Greek Cypriot Administration, explaining that such moves make the Greek side more attractive for military use but also raise the risk of it becoming a target. He emphasized that the TRNC and Turkey remain focused on ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the region.

Tatar concluded by stating that the presence of Turkey and its military guarantees peace and security for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. He stressed that any future agreement on Cyprus must include Turkey’s continued role as a guarantor power and that peace in the region benefits all parties.

Source: Kıbrıs Gazetesi