Defense Minister Güler: Policy of intolerance toward Turkish Cypriots continues

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said Ankara is closely monitoring Greek Cypriot efforts to boost military capacity with foreign support and is determined to protect Turkish Cypriots under its guarantor rights.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler assessed developments in Cyprus, the Black Sea, the Caucasus and the Middle East in a speech at the opening ceremony of the National Defense University’s 2026-2027 academic year.

"Determined to protect Turkish Cypriots"

Flags of Türkiye and the TRNC at Kyrenia Castle

Güler said the policy of intimidation and intolerance toward Turkish Cypriots was continuing, adding: "We are closely following the Greek Cypriot Administration’s steps to increase its political influence and develop its military capacity with foreign support."

"It is a fact that Türkiye, by virtue of both its guarantor rights under international law and its historical responsibilities, is determined to protect the security, sovereignty and legitimate interests of Turkish Cypriots," he said.

Black Sea, Caucasus and Middle East

Flags of Türkiye and the TRNC

Güler said Türkiye’s strategic location places it at the center of developments that directly affect the whole world, listing the war and security risks in the Black Sea, the new balances in the Caucasus, developments in the Middle East and Türkiye’s rights in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean as priorities of its security policy.

He said Ankara maintains a responsible and balanced approach to preserving stability in the Black Sea, supports lasting peace and cooperation in the Caucasus, and has taken important steps for regional security in the Middle East through the alliances it has formed.