President Ersin Tatar has commenced his contacts in the United Kingdom (UK). He met with the officials of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce UK (CTCC UK) and some civil society representatives.

The meeting, held at the TRNC Representative Office, was also attended by Çimen Keskin, TRNC Representative to London and CTCC UK President Muhammet Yaşarata, along with the representatives of some civil society representatives.

Paying tribute to Turkish Cypriots in the UK, President Tatar said: “There are an estimated 350,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK, who have achieved success across different walks of life. It is important to continue to maintain the strong bonds that exist between Turkish Cypriots living abroad and that of the TRNC, and to encourage their investments in our country.”

President Tatar praised the Turkish Cypriots for contributing to the socio-economic fabric of the UK and succeeding across different professions, whilst preserving their cultural heritage and bonds with the TRNC.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot Side will “never abandon its two State vision”, President Tatar added: “The TRNC has a geostrategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean and is crucial for the security of the Republic of Türkiye”.

President Tatar also highlighted the negative impact of the inhumane isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.

President Tatar said “The international community should review the injustices faced by the Turkish Cypriot people”, and added “We are putting forward a constructive position, for the initial start of “3Ds” – direct flights, direct trade and direct contact.”