Erdoğan calls for stronger TRNC ties with Turkic states

In an article published ahead of Thursday’s OTS summit in Ankara, Erdoğan said Türkiye would maintain its support for ending the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and securing acceptance of their sovereign equality and equal international status.

“We attach great importance to developing the opportunities provided by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s observer status in our organisation and strengthening its ties with brotherly countries,” he wrote.

Describing Turkish Cypriots as an inseparable part of the Turkic world, Erdoğan said solidarity with the community reflected a wider responsibility to protect one another’s rights and interests.

His remarks appeared in an article entitled “The Century of the Turkic World: From Solidarity to Integration”, setting out Türkiye’s priorities ahead of the organisation’s 13th summit.

Türkiye will take over the rotating presidency from Azerbaijan at the Ankara gathering, which Erdoğan described as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and the organisation’s institutional capacity.

Alongside his comments on the TRNC, Erdoğan called for closer economic integration, greater use of the Turkic Investment Fund and joint efforts to remove barriers to trade.

He also highlighted transport links connecting Asia and Europe through the Caspian region, cooperation on energy and digital infrastructure, and closer educational and cultural ties.

Erdoğan said respect for each member country’s sovereignty, independence and national will formed the foundation of Turkic unity, alongside mutual trust and shared interests.