Kurtulmuş Expresses Disappointment Over TDT Members’ Envoy Appointments to South Cyprus

Speaking during a live broadcast on TV 100 while on an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kurtulmuş addressed the developments following the Central Asia-European Union Summit held in Samarkand on April 4. He pointed to the summit's final declaration, which referenced United Nations resolutions recognizing the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole representative of the island of Cyprus, effectively ignoring the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

“This does not directly mean they are opening embassies or representative offices,” said Kurtulmuş. “Indeed, Kyrgyzstan currently has no embassy [in the south], nor does Uzbekistan. They conduct their diplomatic affairs through ambassadors accredited from other countries. Still, this approach was unexpected for Turkey, and we experienced significant disappointment.”

He noted that the matter was raised in official meetings held in Bishkek with his counterparts, including the Kyrgyz President and Prime Minister. “We conveyed that, although the matter may now be in the past, we are deeply disturbed as brothers and believe necessary steps should be taken to rectify the situation. We are not in a position to dictate how third countries manage their foreign relations, but as part of our brotherly ties, we made our discomfort clear,” he said.

When asked what steps might be taken to address the issue, Kurtulmuş replied, “The fundamental problem is that the Turkish Cypriot side is not recognized internationally. For example, the TRNC already has a representation in Kyrgyzstan, and more such offices can be opened. An ambassador from a nearby country can be accredited to the TRNC. Cultural programs could also be organized—TRNC cultural days can be held in Kyrgyzstan, just as they have been in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. President Ersin Tatar could visit and hold meetings with officials here. These would be informal but meaningful gestures affirming the political identity and presence of Turkish Cypriots. I won’t go into all the details here, but we raised all of these points.”

In response to a question about the reception of his remarks, Kurtulmuş said, “We observed a very positive attitude. I believe these issues will be addressed in the near future. Last week, the parliamentary speakers of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan visited us, and we discussed this matter privately with them, in the spirit of brotherhood. They understood our concerns, and we hope necessary steps will be taken.”

Kurtulmuş also warned against efforts to exploit the situation: “Some circles try to drive a wedge between Turkey and the Turkic world—or between the Turkic world and the TRNC—by saying, ‘You emphasize the Turkic world, yet look, they have turned their backs on you.’ We must not allow this. We have strong, deep-rooted friendships—indeed, brotherhood—with these countries, both within the Organization of Turkic States and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA). President Erdoğan maintains close contacts with their leaders, and our cooperation is expanding in every field. Yes, this is a matter of serious concern for our nation, but there are ways to address it. As Turkey, it is our responsibility to offer recommendations and make requests to these friendly and brotherly nations.”