Ersin Tatar: Significance of ECO Summit for TRNC is Azerbaijan hosting it

In recent years, relations between Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have been developing rapidly. One of the clearest examples of this rapprochement is the participation of President Ersin Tatar as an observer at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankandi. This visit is not limited to participation in the event, but is also of great importance in terms of expanding the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, spoke about the importance of the ECO Summit and the development of relations with Azerbaijan in an interview with Report.

You are expected to participate as an observer in the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit to be held in Khankandi. What results does the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus aim to achieve at this meeting?

– Of course, the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit to be held in Khankandi is a great honor, as it is not easy for us to participate in such international events. We face many obstacles; as a result, we are not invited to international events. The fact that our country will participate in the Summit to be held in Khankandi as an observer is undoubtedly Türkiye's success. You know that Türkiye has been demonstrating great support for us for many years.

Azerbaijan, in turn, has always expressed its support to us and we are sure that it will not withhold this support. President Ilham Aliyev has made statements in this regard: I have always been behind the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In this sense, we have always felt this support and our people have always stood firm against all difficulties.

The importance of the summit for us is that it is being held in Azerbaijan. The TRNC, despite its small population, is a country of geopolitical importance. We are an island state located in the south of the Mediterranean Sea and at a strategically very important point. In this sense, I believe that it will be useful for us to be represented here as observers.

To what extent do you think the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in ECO with observer status increases the opportunities for economic cooperation within the organization?

ECO is a very large organization. The member states of the organization have a population of about 800 million. As I said earlier, although we are small in terms of population, we are at an important point in terms of strategic position. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has 4 ports in general. As an independent Turkish state, we must continue our existence and be represented as a member in such organizations. In other words, the representation and active participation of our country at the ECO Summit is completely natural. The points I mentioned are factors that increase our cooperation opportunities here.

On May 3, many centers were opened in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. All this symbolizes our country becoming a fully independent country. We fought for years, resisted, and with the rightful intervention and support of Türkiye, we gained freedom in 1974. This historic day was, of course, a turning point for us. In the next stage, we began to make step-by-step progress in our economy, tourism, education, and other areas.

As a state facing the problem of international recognition, do you think your participation in the summit could affect your country's international status?

Of course, it is true. As you noted, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not fully recognized in the international arena, but its independence has been accepted. We are being met, discussed, and respected. All this gives reason to firmly say that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is independent, free, and responsible for its own future.

Speaking of relations with Azerbaijan, in recent years, there has been a fairly rapid rapprochement between Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. How do you assess the prospects for the development of these relations?

You are right to note that relations are developing at an increasing pace. We attach great importance to relations with Azerbaijan. On July 2, I was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from the Azerbaijan Technical University. I believe that this award is an expression of support, trust, confidence, and respect for me personally and for the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This is a great honor for me. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude once again.

Our efforts to further develop relations with Azerbaijan are underway, which is extremely important for us. There are historical ties, a common culture, and a common mindset between the two countries. In this sense, both sides are interested in the development of relations, and we have infinite confidence that they will be taken further.

In what specific areas do you see the potential for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the TRNC, and what initiatives are there?

It is possible in many areas. I think that cooperation can be strengthened, especially in the economic and investment fields. There are currently a lot of Azerbaijanis living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and they really love Azerbaijanis in our country. In other words, these bonds of love exist and are felt between the two peoples. We want and continue to develop our relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan at the highest level.

After 2020, Azerbaijan has become stronger in the region and created new cooperation opportunities. In what areas does the TRNC see a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in this new geopolitical reality?

I would like to especially mention tourism. Because a lot of tourists come from Azerbaijan to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. And this, as I have already mentioned, is based on the factor of common cultural mentality between the two countries. This is a very important nuance. Then, of course, partnership in the education sector is possible. Azerbaijan is a strong state. It is important for us to maintain and develop relations with Azerbaijan.

Photo: Zaur Mustafayev