Türkiye reaffirms unwavering support for TRNC
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz reaffirmed Türkiye’s full support for the TRNC, stressing that a realistic and lasting solution in Cyprus could only be achieved through recognition of the existence of “two equal sovereign peoples and two states” on the island.
Speaking at a joint press conference following his meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Yılmaz said Türkiye would continue defending the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots on every international platform while strengthening the TRNC’s infrastructure, economy and energy security.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said energy security remained among Türkiye’s top priorities for the TRNC and announced that seven mobile power plants, each with a capacity of 25 megawatts, had been deployed on the island through cooperation with EÜAŞ.
He stated that maintenance and repair costs for the plants, as well as support for diesel generators and fuel transportation, were being covered under economic cooperation agreements signed between the two countries.
Yılmaz also announced that Türkiye and the TRNC were continuing work on long-term strategic projects, including an electricity cable connection and a natural gas pipeline project between the two countries.
He said a visit to the TRNC was planned for June, together with Turkish officials, during which a memorandum of understanding was expected to be signed ahead of a future intergovernmental agreement on the energy projects.
Turning to the Cyprus issue, Yılmaz stressed that Türkiye stood shoulder to shoulder with Turkish Cypriots in what he described as a struggle for justice.
He said a solution based on realities on the island would not be possible unless the existence of “two equal sovereign peoples and two states” was accepted.
Criticising the Greek Cypriot leadership, Yılmaz said Greek Cypriot politicians continued making “baseless statements” targeting both Turkish Cypriots and Türkiye.
He also accused the Greek Cypriot side of supporting what he described as unlawful actions by Israel in international waters, arguing that such positions revealed their understanding of international law and humanitarian values.
Yılmaz said Türkiye would continue supporting the TRNC politically and economically, adding that the Turkish nation would always stand by Turkish Cypriots.
He argued that the peace and stability established after the 1974 Peace Operation had benefited both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, and said the entire island was now more democratic and prosperous compared to the past.
