PM Üstel: TRNC is the Unshakable Stronghold of the Turkic World in the Eastern Mediterranean

According to a Prime Ministry statement, the TDT Heads of Government Summit, hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, commenced with Üstel in attendance. President Aliyev met first with TDT member government heads and vice presidents, followed by a roundtable session where leaders delivered their remarks.

Speaking at the summit, Üstel highlighted the TRNC as an integral part of the Turkic World and reiterated the goal of full TDT membership. He thanked President Aliyev, calling Azerbaijan’s support for the TRNC a strong symbol of Turkic World solidarity. He also praised Aliyev’s vision that “the Turkic World is our family” as a guiding principle for the summit.

Üstel stressed that amidst wars, economic crises, irregular migration, and climate challenges, strategic solidarity among Turkic states has become a historic necessity. He affirmed that a determined stance by the Turkic World would guarantee peace and welcomed efforts by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to resolve regional conflicts.

On the Cyprus issue, Üstel reiterated that the TRNC has endured unjust isolation but remains resilient with the support of its people. He stated that the only realistic solution is a two-state arrangement based on sovereign equality and equal international status.

Üstel emphasized that the TRNC actively participates in all TDT activities and is ready to host ministerial meetings and technical working groups. He underlined that enhancing cooperation in energy, technology, tourism, and education will strengthen the Turkic World’s global influence. Education, tourism, and cultural exchange were described as strategic bridges connecting Turkic states.

Highlighting the TRNC as the maritime hub of the “Modern Silk Road,” Üstel confirmed that the country is open to visitors from the Turkic World. He said the 2025–2034 Tourism Master Plan aims to make the TRNC one of the safest and highest-quality tourism destinations in the Mediterranean.

Üstel also stressed the strategic importance of including the TRNC in shared Turkic tourism routes and regional hydrocarbon initiatives, noting that policies with Turkey reinforce energy corridor security. On higher education, he called for a common system and mutual recognition of diplomas within the Turkic World, adding that under the “Digital Island” vision, the TRNC is prepared to become a data security hub.

He concluded that Azerbaijan-Turkey-TRNC relations under the “One Nation, Three States” principle serve as a model, and his government aims to extend this collaboration across all TDT members while completing the TRNC’s full membership process. Üstel emphasized that despite some international efforts to ignore the TRNC, the state will continue to exist with its institutions, parliament, and people, sustained by the support of the Turkic World. “Our unity is our strength, our unity is our future,” he said.