Ünal Üstel: Azerbaijan–TRNC Charter Flights Set to Launch Soon

Speaking at the “TRNC Cultural Day” event held in Baku’s historic Icherisheher district, Üstel said he was pleased to take part in the programme promoting Northern Cyprus.

He noted that relations between the TRNC and Azerbaijan are rooted not only in diplomacy but also in shared history, culture, language, faith and values, referring to the “One Nation, Two States” vision associated with late Azerbaijani leader Heydar Aliyev.

Üstel stressed that Turkey, Azerbaijan and the TRNC are “inseparable parts of the same nation” and thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov for their support and hospitality.

Highlighting the importance of the Turkish world, Üstel said the TRNC’s engagement with the Turkic States Organization as an observer member had accelerated ties with Azerbaijan, adding that this progress was made possible by the strong political will of Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

He said the TRNC was increasingly securing its rightful place within the Turkic world.

Referring to recent diplomatic developments in Baku, Üstel said it was the first time a TRNC prime minister had attended a summit in Azerbaijan and the first time a TRNC leader had been formally received by the Azerbaijani prime minister outside Turkey, calling it a strong sign of brotherhood.

Üstel also said cooperation between the two countries was expanding in education, tourism, economy and culture, noting the role of Azerbaijani students as key ambassadors of bilateral friendship.

Describing the TRNC as a safe and attractive tourism destination, he invited Azerbaijani citizens to visit Northern Cyprus, highlighting cities such as Kyrenia, Karpasia, Famagusta and Nicosia.

On transport links, Üstel said improving connectivity was essential for boosting tourism, confirming that important progress had been made on launching charter flights between Azerbaijan and the TRNC, with regular services expected once agreements are finalised.

He concluded by thanking the Azerbaijani state and people and calling for stronger cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan and the TRNC, saying: “Long live the brotherhood of Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Long live the Turkic world.”