Northern Cyprus's president calls for stronger cooperation with Azerbaijan amid ongoing conflicts

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, has called for closer cooperation between Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan to address ongoing global conflicts.

Speaking to journalists at a ceremony where he was awarded an honorary doctorate at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), Tatar emphasised that Turkic states must unite and act jointly to preserve peace and independence, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"As President Ilham Aliyev said, Turkic states must support each other," Tatar underscored.

The Northern Cyprus president also reminded that tomorrow, July 3, he will participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states in Khankendi.

"As part of the summit, contacts with ECO countries are planned across various sectors, primarily in tourism development, higher education, and trade," he added.

The relationship between Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is rooted in their shared Turkic heritage, mutual geopolitical interests, and alignment within the framework of Turkic cooperation, particularly through the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

The Economic Cooperation Organization is a regional intergovernmental group focused on enhancing economic, trade, and cultural collaboration among its member states, which include countries from Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Azerbaijan and Iran are both founding members of ECO.

Azerbaijan will host the 17th ECO Summit on July 3–4, in Khankendi, underscoring its commitment to advancing regional cooperation and sustainable development. The Summit will bring together ECO Heads of State and Government, ministers, observers, special guests from non-ECO countries, and leaders of international organisations, all united in their efforts to foster development and prosperity through fragile economic integration.

By Khagan Isayev