President Tatar: “TRNC is the strategic stronghold of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean”

President Ersin Tatar delivered a speech at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), held in the ancient city of Gabala, Azerbaijan.

The address of President Tatar reads as follows:

The Turkic States may represent different borders and different flags; yet, we are all heirs to the same history, the same faith, the same language, and the same shared epics.

As the Turkish Cypriot People, we feel our own colour in the flags of each brotherly Turkic state, and our own emotions in their national anthems. This spiritual bond is what makes us one great family.

It is deeply meaningful that this summit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, a glorious chapter inscribed in golden letters in our common Turkic history.

The determination, courage, and just struggle of brotherly Azerbaijan led to a victory that represents not only the liberation of lands, but also the triumph of justice and national resolve — a victory shared by the entire Turkic family.

The Karabakh Victory once again proved a simple truth: when the Turkic world stands united, every challenge can be overcome. Acting in solidarity, the Turkic States not only safeguard their own security, but also serve as the strongest guarantors of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the strategic stronghold of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean.

Owing to its geographical location, the TRNC is the gateway of the Organisation of Turkic States to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The TRNC is also a natural hub for transport and logistics, higher education and research, tourism, green energy, and the digital economy.

As representatives of the Turkish presence in the eastern Mediterranean, we take pride in contributing to the objectives in energy security, maritime trade, and regional peace of the Turkic World.

Yet, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus continues to intensify its armament efforts on an island that should serve as a haven of peace and stability.

While making so-called calls for peace and negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side devotes enormous resources to weapons and opens its air and naval bases to extra-regional actors — threatening the security of our island.

These developments risk not only the stability of Cyprus but also the peace and security of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the legitimate representative of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean, and a steadfast partner for peace.

Despite being subjected to unjust and unlawful international isolation, the TRNC looks to the future with confidence, thanks to its institutional capacity, inclusive and functioning democracy, and growing economy.

The Turkish Cypriot People have always pursued a just and lasting settlement based on their own will, equality, and mutual respect.

Today, the two State vision for Cyprus reflects the realities on the island and constitutes the only fair, sustainable, and lasting path to peace.

The TRNC stands ready to play an active role in all fields of activity within the Organisation of Turkic States.

We aspire to establish the Turkic Youth Academy in the TRNC, which will bring together the youth of the Turkic world.

This academy will provide young people from all corners of the Turkic geography with a shared vision to address the contemporary challenges of our era.