FM: Ankara continues to support Turkish Cypriots

Ankara will continue to support the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in all spheres, including the issue of its recognition by the world, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

He made the remarks while commenting on the incident with the interference of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in the construction of the Pile-Yigitler road in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Anadolu reports.

"The UN has violated its neutrality in this incident. Türkiye fully supports the just position of the TRNC," the diplomat said at a joint press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart Maria Gabriel.

According to him, the actions of the UN peacekeeping forces are incompatible with the fundamental spirit of the world organisation.

Earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the construction of the Pile-Yigitler road is a humanitarian project aimed at facilitating direct access of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus citizens living in the village of Pile to their homeland.

The head of Turkish diplomacy also touched upon Türkiye’s prospects of joining the European Union.

Fidan said Türkiye’s membership in the community would open new opportunities for both the EU and the region.

"I recommend European leaders to take advantage of the new window of opportunity before it closes," the Turkish minister said.