President Erdogan reaffirms backing of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, two-state solution

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), emphasising Ankara’s ongoing role as a guarantor state and its commitment to a two-state solution on the divided island.

Speaking to reporters following his one-day visit to the TRNC, Erdogan declared: “Turkish Cypriots will eventually secure the recognition of their sovereign equality and international status as an equal partner on the island,” Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

He reiterated full backing for TRNC President Ersin Tatar’s political stance, noting: “We continue to fully support President Ersin Tatar's vision for a two-state solution.”

Referring to the informal United Nations meeting held in Geneva on March 17–18, Erdogan said Türkiye remains committed to fostering cooperation on mutually agreed areas: “We will continue to fulfill our responsibilities and remain constructive in the areas of cooperation that were agreed upon between the two neighboring states on the island.”

Reaffirming Türkiye’s long-standing solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots, he stated: “Motherland Türkiye will always stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on this path and maintain its solidarity indefinitely.” Erdogan also called for a realistic approach to resolving the Cyprus issue, stressing the need for a fair and lasting settlement. 

“Our sincere desire is for a just, lasting, sustainable, and realistic solution,” he said. 

Concluding his remarks with a broader geopolitical perspective, Erdogan urged the international community to recognize the island's political realities: “The developments in our region are also a reminder that it is time to accept this reality,” he said, adding: “It is time for everyone to recognize the fact that there are two peoples and two states on the island.”

By Naila Huseynova