Planned TRNC trip by Türkiye's President Erdogan hailed by Turkish Cypriot counterpart

By Mehmet Kemal Firik

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) — Plans by Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to make his new term's first foreign visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) were welcomed on Sunday by his counterpart from that country.

"President Erdogan's visit here demonstrates the importance and value that Türkiye attaches to the TRNC in the face of the embargo, isolation, and obstacles imposed on us by the world," Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar told Anadolu in an interview at his office in the capital Lefkosa.

Highlighting the importance of Erdogan's visit on Monday, Tatar said the trip would send a message to the world that the TRNC "is a state."

He also hailed Erdogan's reelection last month, underlining that his victory showed the public approval for his policies.

Türkiye and the TRNC have always had a special relationship, he said, adding that Turkish Cypriots saw themselves as an integral part of the Turkish nation.

Erdogan will meet with Tatar and receive TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustunel during the visit — his first since being reelected two weeks ago, adhering to a long-held tradition of Turkish leaders.

Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and possible future steps on the Cyprus issue are on the visit's agenda.

Erdogan won a presidential runoff election on May 28, securing 52.18% of the vote, while opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu got 47.82%, according to official results.