Erhürman urges Turkic states to turn solidarity into action

Speaking at the Organisation of Turkic States’ 13th Leaders’ Summit in Ankara, Erhürman said there was a political and legal basis for countries to develop closer relations with Turkish Cypriots across a wide range of fields.

“We must turn the idea of solidarity into more concrete co-operation,” he said.

Erhürman proposed joint research programmes between universities, academic and cultural exchanges for young people, and closer links in sport.

Shared exhibitions, concerts, opera and other performing arts events could strengthen cultural ties, while bringing entrepreneurs, businesses and researchers together could open opportunities in trade, investment, technology and innovation.

He said North Cyprus had much to offer through its universities, young workforce, tourism potential and position in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We are ready to act as an economic, scientific and cultural bridge between the Turkic world and the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.

The TRNC, which joined the organisation as an observer in 2022, wanted to expand its contribution and develop relations with fellow members in every field, he added.

Erhürman said the summit’s theme, “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action”, should produce partnerships that make a difference to people’s everyday lives.

The strength of that unity would be measured by the ability to turn a shared heritage into concrete steps towards a shared future, he said.

Turning to the restrictions facing Turkish Cypriots, Erhürman said years of unfair isolation had limited their international contacts and economic and social development.

Young people continued to face barriers to international sporting competitions, while efforts were made to prevent cultural events in North Cyprus and restrict direct contact with the wider world, he said.

Access to culture, sport, science, education and economic opportunities should be treated as a matter of basic human rights, beyond political disputes, he added.

Erhürman cited recent letters from the United Nations and European Commission in support of closer international engagement with Turkish Cypriots.

He said UN Secretary-General António Guterres had expressed concern about developments affecting Turkish Cypriot cultural, sporting, political and diplomatic activities in an October 16 letter, describing them as “disheartening”.

According to Erhürman, Guterres also said moves that undermined trust and led to the cancellation of international events worked against shared efforts.

An October 6 letter from the European Commission had reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to ending Turkish Cypriot isolation, he said.

Erhürman argued that both letters supported greater contact, dialogue and co-operation with Turkish Cypriots, which would also help build trust on the island.

He said closer international ties and efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement strengthened each other, and pledged to continue working for a fair and lasting solution in close consultation with Türkiye.

Marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Erhürman described Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s independence struggle and vision of progress as a lasting inspiration for Turkish Cypriots.

He also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the invitation and Türkiye for hosting the summit.