President Tufan Erhürman received the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, on Friday at the Presidency in Lefkoşa.  Following their one-and-a-half-hour meeting, President Erhürman and Vice President Yılmaz made a statement.

President Erhürman stated the following:

“Mr. Vice President, I would like to welcome you once again. As we have always stated, the relationship between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Türkiye does not in any way resemble, nor can it be compared, to relations between any other two States. Therefore, being able to hold meetings and come together from time to time is of great importance. We have always stated, both prior to and after the election, that we would conduct matters related to the Cyprus issue and foreign policy in consultation with the Republic of Türkiye. I am very pleased that since the day I took office, these relations have continued in this manner.

Regarding the Cyprus issue,  a dialogue process is indeed underway. I have always distinguished between a dialogue process and a negotiation table. The shared view of both the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is that lessons must be drawn from past experiences. From our perspective, the essence of those experiences has always been clear: the Turkish Cypriot people are, in clear and legal terms, one of the two equal founding partners on the island of Cyprus, possessing equal sovereignty rights. The fact that these rights are being violated in practice on the ground is not something we can tolerate.

Unfortunately, we have observed with concern that in recent times -- particularly with regards to the Presidency of the Council of the EU -- approaches on these issues have been pushed to even more unacceptable levels. That said, we have always maintained one fundamental position: there is, indeed, a dialogue table. The Turkish Cypriot side has never, throughout its history and under any president, walked away from the talks. Policies have been pursued in consultation with the Republic of Türkiye. We remain at the table. Our presence at the table does not, in any way, mean relinquishing our rights, interests, equal sovereignty rights, or political equality.

At the same time, there is also a world beyond the table. In this regard, the Republic of Türkiye has always made valuable contributions through diplomatic means to facilitating the relations of the Turkish Cypriot people with the wider world, and this shall of course continue in the future.

It is extremely important for us to work in constant contact. I have taken great satisfaction since the day I assumed office in working in this manner, and I sincerely believe that this approach will continue. With these thoughts, I once again express my gratitude to you and welcome you. Through you, I would like to convey my greetings and respects to the President of the Republic of Türkiye and to all the people of Türkiye.”
 
Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, made the following statement:

I extend my respectful greetings to you and to the distinguished members of the press. I was here previously as part of the 42nd anniversary programmes, during which we held a highly productive meeting. Today, I am very pleased to be at your office once again. The meetings we conduct here with you, as well as with the Prime Minister and other officials, are always constructive and valuable.

As you have just emphasised, the relationship between the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus goes far beyond that of any ordinary bilateral ties between two states. These are truly exceptional relations, and it is with this understanding that we conduct ourselves. This bond extends not only between governments but also between our societies; the fraternal ties we share, as you noted, are on a scale unparalleled elsewhere. In this spirit, I wish to convey my heartfelt respect and affection to the Turkish Cypriot people, and to extend the warm greetings of the Republic of Türkiye, our government, and the Turkish Nation.

On the one hand, as you noted, we continue our joint efforts concerning the Cyprus cause. On the other, we are committed to undertaking everything possible to support the development and prosperity of the TRNC. Within the framework of Financial Cooperation programmes, we are collaborating on numerous projects. In the coming period, God willing, we will expand and intensify these efforts. Some projects have already been completed, others are ongoing, and new initiatives are under discussion.  Our focus extends not only to public investments but also to fostering entrepreneurship, which will be a key priority moving forward. We attach particular importance to enhancing production, especially through the engagement of women and young entrepreneurs, and to building an economic structure in the TRNC that is increasingly self-sustaining. We will continue to advance all aspects of the development agenda.

Today, we shall also be holding meetings in this context with the Prime Minister, government officials, the business community, and civil society. God willing, these discussions will yield results that will provide further guidance for our work.

From the very first day we came together, we have maintained close and continuous dialogue. The Cyprus issue is, indeed, our shared cause. Türkiye, as the Motherland and a Guarantor State, follows every matter with regards to Cyprus closely. From your office here, I would like to reaffirm once again: the Turkish Cypriot people are never alone. We will always pursue our joint efforts in a spirit of shared destiny.  At the same time, I must once again condemn the recent statements made by the Greek Cypriot side, particularly in the context of the Presidency of the Council of Europe of the EU. These statements, which bear no relation to historical realities or the current facts on the ground, must be critically evaluated by both the people of the TRNC and the international community.

I would like to stress that we maintain a just position, and we will continue to defend it resolutely on every platform. As you have also noted, the sovereignty rights of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people are indisputable. Those who are unable to accept the principle of equal sovereignty should, in essence, refrain from speaking of a solution altogether. This principle forms a fundamental framework for our approach. 

The realities of the island are clear: there are two separate States and two separate peoples in Cyprus. Therefore, I would like to underline that any discourse put forward without recognising or acknowledging these realities has no validity whatsoever. The existence of two separate States does not, of course, mean that cooperation cannot take place. We underline this at every opportunity.

You yourself made an important statement on this issue recently. I would like to express that the efforts of those who do not take even the smallest step toward cooperation, yet try to create an image through grand rhetoric, are empty and consist of unfounded propaganda. We are always ready for cooperation.

The environment of stability, peace, and security established on the island in the period following the Cyprus Peace Operation brought great stability not only to Turks but also to Greeks. For half a century, there has been peace and stability on the island. There has been economic development and an increase in prosperity for all the people living across the island. In the period we are passing through, there are particularly many areas where joint work can be carried out and cooperation can be developed. We also expect and hope that steps will be taken in these areas in the coming period. However, these are also, on the one hand, a test of sincerity. It is beneficial for the whole world to closely observe who does or does not take steps here and what kind of attitude is adopted.

In this framework, I would like to reiterate the following: as the Republic of Türkiye, we stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the Cyprus cause on every platform. With all our strength, this is our common cause. We will continue to provide all forms of support and to stand by your side at all times. I would like to underline this point once again. We must also state that the world is going through a difficult period.

There are rising uncertainties and risks in the economy, and we are in a period where geopolitical tensions are increasing. In such times especially, it is far more valuable and important to demonstrate a much stronger sense of unity and solidarity.  Unfortunately, we are living in a period where international rules and law are weakening and power politics is coming to the fore. In such a period, as Türkiye, we consistently emphasise the importance of strengthening the domestic front and acting in a spirit of unity amongst ourselves. We do not accept in any way, and consider null and void, the rhetoric of the Greek Cypriot side regarding our military presence on the island. We must also collectively recognise their unilateral steps with certain international circles that negatively affect the security of the island and the region. The statements made by those who engage in such actions regarding the Turkish and military presence on the island are, in truth, null and void both legally and politically. The presence of the Turkish Armed Forces here has brought stability and security not only to the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriots, but to the entire island. Everyone has benefited from this. In the coming period, we hope that steps will be taken on shared issues.

On the other hand, we are highly encouraged that in recent years the TRNC has become increasingly visible and active across various international platforms, particularly within the Organisation of Turkic States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and other forums. We will continue to support these efforts. I would like to emphasise once again that together with you and the government, and by leveraging every available opportunity, we will continue to strive to ensure that the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people are more active, more visible, and more widely recognised on the international stage.

Thank you for your kind reception and warm hospitality.  I extend my warm regards and respect to the Turkish Cypriot people.”