Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus intensify collaboration in security matters and digital administration.
In a significant development, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz met with TRNC President Ersin Tatar in Lefkosha (Nicosia) to discuss ways to further strengthen the already robust cooperation between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The discussions centred around regional developments, economic cooperation, and digital transformation in public services. Turkey pledged to provide 29 new vehicles to the TRNC, including 24 police service vehicles and five fire trucks, bolstering the TRNC's security and emergency response capabilities.
The collaboration extends beyond security, with coordinated support in education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. This cooperation includes sharing expertise in public services, coordination during natural disasters, and equipment provision, reflecting the deep ties under the leadership of Turkey’s President Erdoğan.
On the diplomatic front, the TRNC achieved a symbolic victory by participating in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, where its flag was displayed alongside those of Turkey and Azerbaijan. This participation and representation broaden TRNC's international visibility, even though official recognition by ECO member states besides Turkey remains absent.
TRNC President Ersin Tatar continues to advocate for a two-state solution to the Cyprus dispute, reflecting a firm political stance supported by Turkey, emphasizing TRNC's sovereignty in ongoing regional and UN discussions.
During the ceremony, 29 new vehicles were put into service, including 24 service vehicles and five fire trucks. The TRNC Earthquake Monitoring and Assessment Center, strengthened with nationally developed software, offers capabilities for monitoring, early warning, damage assessment, and crisis management. Turkish technical expertise will be shared with the TRNC through this center.
Turkish Vice President Yilmaz also provided 19 types of technical equipment, fingerprint scanners, mobile systems, IT infrastructure support, and uniforms for motorcycle police, enhancing institutional capacity and working conditions in the field of TRNC's police service.
Moreover, a central unit has been established in the TRNC with Goç̧Net integration and six mobile migration vehicles, strengthening border security in the TRNC and making efforts against irregular migration more effective.
TRNC President Ersin Tatar thanked Turkey for its steps to enhance the TRNC's capacity, particularly in the establishment of the Earthquake Monitoring and Assessment Center. He also highlighted the center's value and emphasized the potential for cooperation with the Greek Cypriot administration in response to natural disasters.
The meeting took place on the 51st anniversary of a key Turkish operation to protect Turkish Cypriots against Greek Cypriot attacks, underscoring the historical ties and ongoing strategic interests that shape this comprehensive partnership.
- The collaboration between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) expands to various sectors, including education and healthcare, as they seek to improve the general well-being of their people.
- In the realm of culture and politics, the TRNC's participation in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit reflects its increasing international visibility and diplomatic leverage, although official recognition from member states other than Turkey remains elusive.
- Amidst regional discussions regarding a potential two-state solution to the Cyprus dispute, Turkey and the TRNC continue to strengthen their political ties, with Turkey pledging to share technical expertise in areas such as border security, digital transformation, and disaster management.
