UPDATE - Turkey to continue backing Turkish Cypriots

UPDATES WITH AKDAG’S MEETING WITH TRNC PREMIER

By Murat Demirci

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdag on Wednesday said Turkey would continue to support the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Akdag made the remarks during his official visit to the TRNC during which he met Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci at the presidential palace and Teberruken Ulucay, the president of the Republican Assembly.

The Turkish deputy premier emphasized that every new government in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had brought new hope and energy.

“Turkey will work hard with the TRNC.”

Highlighting the importance of acting fast to bring peace, prosperity, and development to the people, Akdag said: "We will continue to meet the needs of citizens."

Ulucay thanked Turkey for its contributions and continuous cooperation.

Later, Akdag met TRNC Prime Minister Tufan Erhurman at his office.

Turkish envoy in Lefkosa Derya Kanbay and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Ozersay were also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, Akdag voiced support for boosting economic relations between Turkey and TRNC.

Describing the potential of Greek Cypriots as a “great opportunity” for increasing per capita income to $25,000, Akdag said: “If we benefit from these opportunities together, there is nothing that can hinder the swift advance of Turkey and TRNC.”

Erhurman, for his part, emphasized on the “vital importance” that TRNC put on its relations with Turkey.

“The relations with Turkey is of vital importance for TRNC,” Erhurman said, adding: “Their support is quite valuable for us. It can’t be compared to those of other countries.”