Statement of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus
31 October, 2026
Ertuğruloğlu meets TURKSOY Secretary-General
2 November, 2026
Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu addressed the Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting held in ankara within the framework of the 13th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS).
Minister Ertuğruloğlu emphasised that their stance on the Cyprus issue was very clear and unambiguous, stating: “We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, in line with the policy jointly determined with our motherland, the Republic of Türkiye, remain committed to an agreement based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of two separate states.”
Speaking at a conference held in Ankara to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed”, Ertuğruloğlu emphasised that the TRNC is an integral part of the Turkic world.
Referring to the TRNC’s observer status within the OTS granted at the 2022 Samarkand Summit, Ertuğruloğlu highlighted the progress made in strengthening institutional ties with organisations such as TURKPA, TURKSOY, the Turkic Academy and the Union of Turkic Universities.
Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot people have endured unjust isolation and restrictions for many years, Minister Ertuğruloğlu stated that solidarity within the OTS is of vital importance in preventing young people, athletes, artists, academics and businesspeople from encountering obstacles on the international stage.
Reiterating the clarity of the Republic of Türkiye’s position on the Cyprus issue was very clear and unambiguous, Ertuğruloğlu recalled that they had withdrawn from the federation model in 2021 due to the Greek Cypriot side’s intransigent approach. He further underlined that the reality on the island is “one island, two states”.
Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic calls for the recognition of the TRNC at the United Nations General Assembly sessions, Ertuğruloğlu urged OTS member states to take concrete steps towards this objective.
Addressing developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu emphasised that, disputes concerning energy and maritime jurisdiction in the region, should be addressed through international law, dialogue and good neighbourly relations rather than unilateral actions.