Cevdet Yılmaz: The People Of The TRNC Are Never Alone

Speaking during a visit to the TRNC, Yılmaz said Turkey closely follows all developments concerning the TRNC and continues to work tirelessly for the peace, prosperity and welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people. “Our goal is for the TRNC to become a prosperous country that can stand on its own feet,” he said.

Yılmaz, who arrived in the TRNC for a series of official contacts, held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel at Ercan Airport.

Tribute To Dr Küçük And Denktaş

At the beginning of his remarks, Yılmaz commemorated Dr Fazıl Küçük, a leading figure in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for sovereignty, marking the 42nd anniversary of his death. He also paid tribute to founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, the heroes of the 1974 Peace Operation and the mujahideen, remembering them with respect and gratitude.

Yılmaz said he was pleased to once again visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, describing it as the product of a long and determined struggle.

“We Closely Follow Every Development Related To The TRNC”

Recalling his visit to Nicosia on 15 November to represent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the 42nd anniversary celebrations of the TRNC, Yılmaz said the frequency of such high-level visits reflected the exceptional nature of relations between Turkey and the TRNC, as well as the importance Ankara attaches to the Turkish Cypriot people.

“We closely follow every development related to the TRNC and continue to work tirelessly for the peace and prosperity of our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters,” Yılmaz said, adding that during this visit he would meet state and government officials as well as representatives of the private sector.

Describing the development of the TRNC as a national cause for Turkey, Yılmaz once again stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people are never alone.

“Our Aim Is A Self-Sufficient And Prosperous TRNC”

Yılmaz said that, as in previous visits, discussions would focus on steps to further strengthen cooperation between the two sides in all fields.

“Our aim is to ensure that the TRNC becomes a prosperous country that can stand on its own feet through financial assistance, infrastructure investments, and the transfer of knowledge and experience,” he said.

He noted that projects under the 2025 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement — signed on 21 March 2025 and entering into force on 6 May 2025 — were continuing without interruption. With a budget of approximately 21 billion Turkish lira, Yılmaz described the agreement as the most comprehensive financial cooperation framework ever signed between Turkey and the TRNC.

He added that, alongside infrastructure investments, Turkey would continue to support efforts to transform the TRNC into an island of education, tourism and technology.

Smart Transport Project To Be Launched

Yılmaz also referred to the “Smart Transport System, Electronic Enforcement and Smart Junctions Project,” the launch of which is scheduled to take place in Nicosia. He described the project as a significant symbol of Turkey’s comprehensive support, extending from infrastructure to daily life, and emphasised its importance in terms of digitalisation.

He said meetings would also be held with representatives of the TRNC business community to strengthen economic cooperation, adding that future financial cooperation frameworks would place particular emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship.

Two-State Solution Emphasised

Turning to the Cyprus issue, Yılmaz reiterated Turkey’s position that the most realistic solution lies in the coexistence of two states on the island.

“The key to a fair, lasting and sustainable solution, based on the reality of two separate peoples and two separate states on the island, is the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people’s inherent rights — sovereign equality and equal international status — and the lifting of inhumane isolations,” he said.

Yılmaz stressed that the minimum manifestation of this approach would be the opening of direct flights, direct trade and direct contacts with the TRNC. He recalled that President Erdoğan has, for the past four years, openly called on the international community at the UN General Assembly to recognise the TRNC and establish diplomatic, political and economic relations with it.

Criticising the Greek Cypriot Administration, Yılmaz said the presence of Turkish troops on the island has been a guarantee of peace and stability.

“We Will Continue To Stand By The TRNC With Unshakable Resolve”

Yılmaz concluded by stating that Turkey continues to stand by the TRNC with unwavering determination on every international platform, defending the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.

“We will continue, under all circumstances, to advocate for the rights of Turkish Cypriots who are being restricted through unjust and inhumane isolations,” he said, adding that all achievements to date were the result of this determination and the sacrifices made.

Yılmaz said Turkey would continue to work in full unity, solidarity and cooperation to carry these gains forward.