PM Üstel reiterates TRNC full membership goal at Turkic States summit

The Organisation of Turkic States summit of Prime Ministers and Vice Presidents has begun in Baku, with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel attending as an observer representing the TRNC and reiterating the goal of full membership.

Hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Organisation of Turkic States meeting of Prime Ministers and Vice Presidents officially began in Baku.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel attended the summit on behalf of the TRNC as an observer and took part in the official reception hosted by President Aliyev ahead of the meeting.

Addressing the summit, Üstel stressed that the TRNC is an inseparable part of the Turkic world and reaffirmed the country’s goal of becoming a full member of the organisation. He thanked Azerbaijan for its continued support, describing it as a strong reflection of solidarity within the Turkic world.

Üstel stated that the TRNC represents a strategic presence of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting that global challenges such as wars, economic crises, irregular migration and climate change make cooperation among Turkic states a necessity.

Touching on regional issues, Üstel welcomed efforts by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to end conflicts and stressed that a united stance by the Turkic world would contribute to peace and stability.

On the Cyprus issue, Üstel underlined that the only realistic solution is a two-state model based on sovereign equality and equal international status, recalling that Turkish Cypriots continue to face unjust isolation.

He emphasised that the TRNC is actively participating in all activities within the organisation and is ready to host ministerial meetings and technical working groups.

Üstel also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in energy, technology, tourism and education, noting that the TRNC aims to become a key tourism destination in the Mediterranean under its 2025–2034 Tourism Master Plan.

He described the TRNC as a stop on the “Modern Silk Road” in maritime routes and a potential data security hub under its “Digital Island” vision, while also calling for stronger integration in higher education across the Turkic world.

Stressing the growing ties between Azerbaijan, Türkiye and the TRNC under the concept of “one nation, three states,” Üstel said the goal is to further expand this cooperation across all member states and successfully complete the TRNC’s full membership process.

Concluding his remarks, Üstel reaffirmed that despite efforts by some international actors to ignore the TRNC, the state continues to exist with its institutions and people, adding: “Our unity is our strength, our unity is our future.”