Ertuğruloğlu: Aliyev Does Not Recognise Greek Cypriot Side as ‘Republic of Cyprus’

Speaking to Anadolu Agency during the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ertuğruloğlu said the event was a significant diplomatic platform, particularly for the TRNC, which faces international recognition difficulties due to the Cyprus issue.

“As the TRNC, we are a country facing recognition problems because of the Cyprus issue, and it is not always possible for us to find space in such platforms. But when it is hosted in our motherland, it becomes an ideal opportunity for us,” he said.

He described the forum as an important chance to increase the TRNC’s visibility, explain its position through bilateral contacts and discuss the Cyprus issue not only politically, but also economically, culturally and academically.

Ertuğruloğlu said numerous bilateral meetings were held during the forum and highlighted close relations with Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

He said President Aliyev had been openly expressing support for the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people without hesitation.

“Aliyev said very clearly that he has never recognised the Greek Cypriot side as the ‘Republic of Cyprus’ and that he will not recognise it,” Ertuğruloğlu said, adding that they were grateful for this stance.

He also underlined Pakistan’s longstanding ties with the Turkish nation, saying the Turkish Cypriot people, as an inseparable part of that nation, also maintain a special dialogue with Pakistan.

Ertuğruloğlu said the TRNC continues to face embargoes and isolation due to the recognition issue, making the forum important not only for explaining the Cyprus issue but also for following international developments and engaging on broader global matters.

“The greatest gain is visibility,” he said, arguing that the Cyprus issue has long been misunderstood internationally due to the perception that there is only one state on the island.

“The reality is one island, but two states and two peoples,” he said, adding that the solution lies in a structure where two sovereign equal states live side by side in good neighbourly relations.