Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has said that efforts to integrate Turkish Cypriots more fully into the international community should be viewed as complementary to, rather than separate from, attempts to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Speaking at the 13th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States in Ankara, Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot side would continue working "in close consultation and cooperation" with Turkey towards what he described as a just and permanent solution on the island.
"The integration of the Turkish Cypriot people into the world and efforts to find a solution in Cyprus are not alternative options, but processes that reinforce one another," Erhürman said.
Call for stronger ties with Turkic states
Erhürman urged member states of the Organisation of Turkic States to strengthen their relations with Turkish Cypriots, arguing that there is both a political and legal basis for expanding cooperation across all sectors.
He claimed that Turkish Cypriots have faced "unjust isolation" for many years, limiting their international contacts as well as their economic and social development.
Referring to a letter dated 16 October 2026 from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Erhürman said concerns had been raised about actions that negatively affect the cultural, sporting, political and diplomatic activities of Turkish Cypriots.
He also cited a 6 October letter from the European Commission, saying it reaffirmed the EU's stated objective since 2004 of ending the "isolation" of Turkish Cypriots.
"The common message of the two letters is clear: there is a strong political and legal basis for developing contacts, dialogue and cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot people in all fields," he said.
Proposals for cooperation
Erhürman said there should be no obstacles to closer engagement with Turkish Cypriots in scientific, academic, cultural, sporting, economic, technological and diplomatic fields.
Among the proposals he outlined were:
- Joint university research programmes.
- Youth exchange initiatives.
- Sporting and cultural events.
- Cooperation in trade and investment.
- Collaboration in digital technology.
He further argued that the breakaway Turkish Cypriot administration could serve as an "economic, scientific and cultural bridge" between the Turkic world and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Expanding relations
Referring to the Turkish Cypriot administration's observer status in the Organisation of Turkic States since 2022, Erhürman expressed a desire to deepen relations with member countries.
He said the ultimate objective was to strengthen peace, stability and cooperation both in Cyprus and across the wider region.
"We want the Eastern Mediterranean to become a region where mutual respect, inclusive cooperation and shared prosperity prevail, instead of tensions and policies of exclusion," he said.
Erhürman also thanked Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the invitation and hospitality extended during the summit and congratulated Turkey on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic.
Following the conclusion of his meetings in Ankara, he was expected to return to the north of Cyprus later on Friday.
Source: CNA
