Erhürman: We will work with Türkiye for a fair, lasting Cyprus solution

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman said at the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States that the Turkish Cypriot people are ready to serve as a bridge between the Turkic world and the Eastern Mediterranean. Prime Minister Ünal Üstel thanked Erdoğan for his support for the TRNC at the summit.

The Turkiye Times Editorial DeskOctober 30, 2026, 03:10 PMUpdated: October 30, 2026, 03:32 PM

Erhürman: We will work with Türkiye for a fair, lasting Cyprus solution

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman said in a speech at the 13th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Ankara, "We will continue working for a fair and lasting solution on the island in close consultation and cooperation with Türkiye."

Erhürman said the summit's theme, "The Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action," carried a strong message for shaping a common future. He said he also found it meaningful that the summit coincided with Republic Day and thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the invitation and hospitality.

"We are ready to be a bridge between the Turkic world and the Eastern Mediterranean"

Erhürman stressed that the TRNC was ready to act as an economic, scientific and cultural bridge between the Turkic world and the Eastern Mediterranean. He said they wanted the Eastern Mediterranean to become a region governed not by tensions and exclusionary policies, but by mutual respect, inclusive cooperation and shared prosperity.

AB Komisyonu Başkan Yardımcısı Raffaele Fitto'nun Kıbrıs ziyaretinden bir kare (arşiv)

Recalling that the Turkish Cypriot people had demonstrated their will for a solution during the 2004 plan process and subsequent constructive negotiations, Erhürman drew attention to the unjust isolation restricting Turkish Cypriots' direct contact with the world and their economic and social initiatives. He cited obstacles to young people's participation in international sporting competitions and to organizing cultural events in the TRNC, and referred to letters on the issue from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Commission.

Erhürman said they wanted to contribute to the work of the organization, in which the TRNC participated as an observer at the 2022 Samarkand Summit, and said common solidarity should be turned into concrete cooperation. He proposed joint research programs between universities, student exchanges, stronger sports ties, joint projects in exhibitions, concerts and the performing arts, and platforms to bring entrepreneurs and researchers together.

Üstel thanks Erdoğan

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also thanked President Erdoğan for his support for the TRNC in his speech at the summit. Erdoğan said in his speech, "I believe our family council will increase its contacts with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."

Üstel said they had welcomed Erdoğan's message with great satisfaction and appreciation, describing Türkiye as the TRNC's "greatest assurance, strongest supporter and closest partner." Üstel described the TRNC's acceptance into the organization as an observer member under its constitutional name as a historic turning point, and said he viewed Erdoğan's calls for the recognition of the TRNC on international platforms, particularly at the UN General Assembly, as the clearest indication of strategic support.

Met with Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex

Erhürman also held a separate meeting with President Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex within the scope of the summit. The Presidency did not disclose details regarding the topics discussed during the meeting.

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Erhürman: We will work with Türkiye for a fair, lasting Cyprus solution