Öztürkler addresses the Turkic World: “We will never compromise on our sovereign equality”

Addressing the Turkic world, Speaker of the TRNC Assembly Ziya Öztürkler emphasised that the Turkish Cypriot people would never compromise on their sovereign equality in the Cyprus issue.

In a statement, Öztürkler addressed fellow parliamentary speakers and participants at the 15th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Speaking at the General Assembly, held under the theme “Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in the Turkic World in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Technological Advancement,” Öztürkler delivered messages on a range of issues, including the Turkish Cypriot people’s just struggle and solidarity within the Turkic world to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the TRNC’s goal of achieving full membership in TURKPA.

At the outset of his speech, Öztürkler thanked Marlen Mamataliyev, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, which hosted the 15th General Assembly, as well as the Kyrgyz people, for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

Noting that artificial intelligence and digital transformation are no longer matters confined solely to science and technology policies, Öztürkler stated that technological transformation is shaping the future of states and societies across a wide range of fields, including the economy, education, healthcare, public services, security, communications, transportation, and energy.

He further noted that this transformation directly affects not only modes of production but also decision-making processes, relations between citizens and the state, and countries’ global competitiveness.

Emphasising that, as reaffirmed in the Organisation of Turkic States’ Turkistan Declaration and at the Budapest Summit, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an integral part of the Turkic world, Öztürkler stated that the support of Turkic states is of great importance to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot people have been subjected to unjust isolation for many years, Öztürkler said that their struggle continues with determination, supported by brotherly countries.

He described the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle as an honourable stance maintained across generations to preserve the Turkish identity, presence, and heritage on the island of Cyprus. He added that, even during the most difficult periods, the people had never abandoned their identity, homeland, or sovereignty.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle remains focused, as it was in the past, on safeguarding the Turkish presence on the island, sovereignty, statehood, and the people’s future, Öztürkler emphasised that the support of Türkiye, the motherland, and solidarity among brothers and sisters across the Turkic world would continue to be among their greatest sources of strength.