Ertugruloglu Calls Greek Cypriot NATO Bid a “Dream”

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said of reports that the Greek Cypriot administration is preparing for NATO membership: “They can keep dreaming. We see the game they are playing. Motherland Turkey sees it too. There is no possibility of such a thing happening.”

Ertugruloglu made the remarks in an interview with Anadolu Agency while attending the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM Summit) 2026, organised by the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications in Istanbul.

He said Turkey’s efforts to combat disinformation through international initiatives such as STRATCOM are highly important for them, noting that they are rarely invited to such events by parts of the international community that, he said, cannot accept the existence of the TRNC. He added that Turkey’s invitation was therefore both valuable and beneficial.

The TRNC foreign minister said they bring staff from institutions in the country to such summits for training purposes.

Stressing that the TRNC’s sole support is Turkey and that they act together on political and military matters, Ertugruloglu said, “Even within this ring of fire, we continue our lives in great comfort and security.”

Emphasis on Joint Security

Responding to a question about claims that the Greek Cypriot administration is preparing for NATO membership, Ertugruloglu said: “They can keep dreaming. We see the game they are playing. Motherland Turkey sees it too. There is no possibility of such a thing happening.”

Asked about potential security risks to Cyprus amid the ongoing war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, he said: “As long as Turkey’s guarantee continues, there is no possibility of anyone launching a military attack on Northern Cyprus. They know very well what the cost would be.”

Ertugruloglu underlined that the deployment of six F-16 fighter jets from Turkey to the TRNC was not without purpose, stressing that the security of the TRNC and Turkey is indivisible.

He said there is no doubt regarding the interests and security of the Turkish nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, adding that Turkey pursues a highly rational policy, advocates for peace and takes all necessary diplomatic steps to achieve it.

Ertugruloglu also said Turkey has demonstrated to the world that it is willing to take the risk of war if necessary to secure peace, describing this as a rational and realistic policy.

In response to a question on whether military shipments to the Greek Cypriot administration by the United Kingdom and some European Union member states could become permanent in the region, he said: “No, this is a game they are playing to bring NATO membership onto the agenda. It is not the case. None of these countries are in a position to go to war with Turkey on behalf of the Greek Cypriots.”