Erdoğan calls for closer Turkic ties with North Cyprus

Addressing the organisation’s 13th Leaders’ Summit in Ankara, Erdoğan described the participating countries as a family united by their shared past and future.

“There is no room for division, separation or discord in the Turkic world’s family photograph,” he said. “We are all one, together, and brothers for all eternity.”

Erdoğan added: “I believe our family council will increase its contacts with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

His remarks came as Türkiye took over the organisation’s rotating presidency from Azerbaijan. President Tufan Erhürman also attended and addressed the summit.

Erdoğan said Türkiye would use its presidency to turn the organisation’s work into practical gains, including support for sporting and cultural activities and easier travel between participating countries.

The summit was held under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action”, following celebrations marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Erdoğan said the leaders’ joint photographs symbolised both loyalty to their shared heritage and their determination to build a common future.