Azerbaijani leader's firm backing of TRNC sparks warm response from President Ersin Tatar

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar has welcomed the statement of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on supporting Northern Cyprus.

The TRNC leader praised Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the international forum 'Facing the New World Order' at ADA University, describing his remarks as a powerful gesture of solidarity and brotherhood, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"We are very happy with the statement of the Azerbaijani president. I sincerely thank Ilham Aliyev for the strong support of the TRNC," Tatar said in a statement published on the official website of the TRNC presidency.

The TRNC leader highlighted the growing ties between Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus, underscoring a shared foundation of values and a deep-rooted connection between the two peoples. "I hope the brotherhood and cooperation between the TRNC and Azerbaijan will continue for centuries," he added.

Tatar’s message came in direct response to President Aliyev’s remarks on April 9 during his address at ADA University. The Azerbaijani head of state reaffirmed Baku’s unwavering support for Northern Cyprus and defended the right of its people to be recognized as an independent nation.

“Azerbaijan played an important role in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus becoming an observer in the Organization of Turkic States. We were among those who actively advocated for that,” Aliyev said. “President Tatar was invited by me to attend the Informal Summit of the Organization in Shusha, and he was with us with the flag of Northern Cyprus.”

Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan’s policy toward the TRNC has always been clear and principled: “So, we are always with our brothers. Our policy is always very clear and straightforward. We don't have any other agenda other than how we can be helpful to our brothers in Northern Cyprus, who deserve to have their own state. They deserve it by history and by their actions.” 

He also referred to the 2004 referendum proposed by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in which Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of reunification, while the Greek Cypriot side rejected the plan.

“And what happened after? Southern Cyprus was invited and became a member of the European Union. Was it fair? Of course not. Is it double standards? Of course, yes," Aliyev remarked. "But unfortunately, not many politicians want to talk about that. They prefer not to, in order not to have a headache, because one can imagine that they can create a lot of headaches, and headaches are not the most harmful things they can do.”

President Aliyev concluded his statement with a powerful message of support: "But with respect to Azerbaijan, I think among our brothers in Northern Cyprus, there is no doubt that we will be with you until the end, until the independent country is established, and of course, recognized by the international community.”

By Tamilla Hasanova