Öztürkler: Our Destiny Is United With Turkey

Speaking at an event organized by the Turkish World Youth Foundation at Turkey’s Presidential Library in Ankara, Öztürkler underlined the strategic importance of ties between the TRNC and the Turkic world, calling the TRNC the “representation point of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He highlighted that the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle has always been more than a territorial issue, describing it as a fight for identity, freedom, equality, and security. Öztürkler stressed that the state established in 1983 was a clear expression of the people’s right to self-determination and that the TRNC continues to stand on its own feet despite international non-recognition.

On the Cyprus issue, Öztürkler reiterated that a lasting settlement is only possible on the basis of two separate states, rejecting one-sided impositions and emphasizing the need for mutual respect and sovereign equality.

He also underscored the significance of the Turkish military presence on the island as a security guarantee for the Turkish Cypriot community and praised Turkey’s support, saying President Erdoğan’s firm stance strengthens the TRNC’s diplomatic position.

Öztürkler concluded his speech by stressing that the TRNC’s future will continue to be shaped together with Turkey, framing the relationship as not just political but also historical and cultural.