Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Saturday, delivering a powerful speech at a dual ceremony marking the groundbreaking of several projects in the TRNC.

Speaking to a large crowd gathered in Lefkoşa, President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s enduring commitment to the Turkish Cypriot people and reiterated Ankara’s firm stance on the two-state solution to the Cyprus issue.

“No matter which doors were closed to block the path of the Turkish Cypriots, we always found new doors to open, new paths to follow,” Erdoğan said, underlining Türkiye’s resilience in the face of international pressure and isolation imposed on the TRNC.

Highlighting key infrastructure and development projects supported by Türkiye, the President pointed to the historic resolution of the TRNC’s water shortage. “We have put an end to the century-long water shortage of the Turkish Cypriots. Following the delivery of drinking water, we are taking revolutionary steps in agricultural irrigation,” he said.

Erdoğan also praised the strides made in various sectors in the TRNC, asserting that the region is now “the shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Not only in transportation but also in tourism, employment, and investments, we have elevated the TRNC to new heights,” he noted.

In a strong call to the international community, Erdoğan demanded the recognition of the TRNC and an end to the decades-long political and economic isolation of Turkish Cypriots. “Diplomatic, political, and economic relations must be established with the TRNC, and the injustice imposed on the Turkish Cypriots for decades must come to an end,” he stated.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s full support for the vision of a two-state solution on the island, Erdoğan urged the world to accept the reality of the situation. “Our support for the two-state solution vision is full. It is time for the international community to reconcile with the realities on the ground,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Erdoğan pledged continued solidarity with the TRNC. “We are here for the unity, solidarity, peace, and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots in Northern Cyprus, and we will always be here,” he declared.

The visit coincided with the 51st anniversary of Türkiye’s 1974 Peace Operation in Cyprus, a landmark event commemorated annually by Turkish Cypriots as the day of liberation and security. (ILKHA)