UPDATE - Turkey’s vice president visits Turkish Cypriot premier

REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE, ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan and Abdullah Yasin Guler

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) – Turkey is trying to build the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as a strong and productive country that stands on its own feet, the Turkish vice president said Wednesday.

Fuat Oktay, who was on a working visit to the TRNC, met with Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersan Saner.

Oktay said the visit has two goals: preparing for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the country on the occasion of the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day and examining the ongoing projects in place.

Mentioning that July 20 is an important date, Oktay noted that “it is the day when our Northern Cypriot brothers and sisters gained their freedom.”

-Building TRNC

Oktay said Turkey’s stance towards the Cyprus issue is clear and will not change.

“Our belief, opinion on the basis of two equal sovereign states and our agreement with the TRNC on this issue is the clearest message we give to the world,” he said.

“We are trying to build a TRNC that is as strong as possible, standing on its own feet and productive, and we will continue to work for this.”

Emphasizing that Turkey’s work on the TRNC will continue in transportation, health, pandemic control, agriculture and all other areas, Oktay said they also want to transfer Turkey's experience in the digital field to the TRNC.

After his visit, Oktay gathered with people from the village of Bafra.

He also pointed out the reason Erdogan will visit the TRNC on July 20, saying it is because Northern Cyprus feels like home and nothing else for Turkish people, adding Turkish Cypriots also feel the same way.

-Acting together with Turkey

For his part, Saner said: "When we act together with Turkey as the TRNC, we believe that there is nothing we can’t do in this geography.”

“Protecting the rights and interests of the Turkish nation, especially the Blue Homeland, is among the most important duties of the TRNC government," he said.

Saner said the intransigent position of the Greek Cypriot side was evident within the framework of the UN and in the 5 plus UN meetings.

"There is an occupation problem in Cyprus. This occupation problem was caused by the unilateral occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by the Greeks in 1963.

“In 1974, motherland Turkey, using its right to be a guarantor, liberated its compatriots in Cyprus through a peace operation,” he emphasized.

He also noted Turkey’s assistance with vaccinations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Amid the pandemic that shook the whole world, we have administered 240,000 doses of the vaccine to our citizens so far thanks to the determined attitude you have shown that our country needs the most, and the vaccines you have delivered to the TRNC with your ‘maternal compassion.’”

Saner pointed out that two holidays will be celebrated together during Erdogan’s visit to the country on July 20 and said that while celebrating these two holidays, many foundations will be laid in the TRNC.

According to diplomatic sources, Erdogan will hold official talks, examine the ongoing North Lefkosa Ring Road in Lefkosa and restoration work at the Bilal Agha Mosque and meet citizens in Yeni Erenkoy and Bafra villages besides other engagements.

Oktay is also expected to meet with TRNC President Ersin Tatar.

*Writing by Merve Berker