Ertuğruloğlu: OIC Member States Must Take Concrete Steps to Develop Ties With TRNC

Stressing that they did not want to lose another 50 years negotiating on the basis of an exhausted model for resolving the Cyprus problem, Ertuğruloğlu said: “The reality on the island of Cyprus is one island, two states.”

According to information released by the Foreign Ministry, the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, on October 17–18 under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity.”

Speaking on the final day of the session on behalf of the TRNC government and the Turkish Cypriot people, Ertuğruloğlu delivered messages to the international community and OIC member states concerning the Turkish Cypriot people’s cause, what he described as unjust and inhumane embargoes, and their vision for a settlement.

At the beginning of his address, Ertuğruloğlu thanked Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the Iraqi government and OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for hosting the event.

“CIVILIANS CONTINUE TO PAY THE HEAVIEST PRICE”

Drawing attention to rising geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises around the world, Ertuğruloğlu said:

“We are meeting today under the theme ‘Dialogue and Solidarity’ at a time of profound transformation in international relations. The world is facing rising geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises and the continued persistence of Islamophobia. At a time when respect for international law and the effectiveness of collective diplomatic action are increasingly being tested, civilians continue to pay the heaviest price for conflicts in multiple regions.

“These challenges underscore the enduring need for greater dialogue and cooperation to resolve international conflicts peacefully. In this context, the call for dialogue and solidarity carries particular significance.

“The principle of solidarity is equally valuable to the Turkish Cypriot people, who have been struggling for more than 60 years to protect their inherent rights, dignity and existence on the island of Cyprus.”

Emphasising that Turkish Cypriots had spent more than six decades fighting to protect their inherent rights, Ertuğruloğlu recalled the period between 1963 and 1974.

“As will be remembered, between 1963 and 1974, the Turkish Cypriot people were confined to besieged enclaves and subjected to systematic oppression and isolation under harsh and inhumane conditions. Following the coup carried out on the island by Greece and Greek Cypriots in 1974, Turkey’s timely intervention brought this dark period to an end, saved Turkish Cypriot lives and prevented the island of Cyprus from being annexed by Greece,” he said.

“WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE ANOTHER 50 YEARS ON AN EXHAUSTED MODEL”

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready for a fair, lasting and sustainable settlement with the Greek Cypriots based on its inherent rights to sovereign equality and equal international status, Ertuğruloğlu continued:

“Since 2021, we have reiterated our position that negotiations should take place on a new basis, with the aim of establishing a cooperative relationship between the two independent and sovereign states existing on the island of Cyprus.

“We cannot afford to lose another 50 years negotiating on the basis of an exhausted model. The reality on the island of Cyprus is one island, two states.”

“SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FROM BROTHERLY OIC MEMBER STATES ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT”

Referring to what he described as inhumane embargoes and unjust isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots because of the international community’s biased approach in favour of Greek Cypriots, Ertuğruloğlu called on fellow OIC member states to take concrete and timely steps to end the isolation and develop political, economic and diplomatic relations with the TRNC.

He said:

“Because of the international community’s biased approach in favour of Greek Cypriots, as well as the inhumane embargoes and unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, our young people, athletes, artists and academics continue to face obstacles to full participation in international activities.

“For this reason, solidarity and support from our brotherly OIC member states are extremely important in the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people to live in peace, security and dignity in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“In this context, we call on OIC member states to take concrete and timely steps to end the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people and develop closer relations with us.”

THANKS TO RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN

Recalling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s calls, in speeches delivered at the United Nations General Assembly since its 77th session, for UN member states to recognise the independence of the TRNC and establish diplomatic, political and economic relations with it, Ertuğruloğlu expressed his gratitude to Turkey and Erdoğan on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people.

He concluded his address by urging OIC member states to take the lead in supporting the Turkish Cypriot people’s cause, which he described as just and legitimate, and to strengthen their ties with Turkish Cypriots in every field.

MEETINGS

During the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Ertuğruloğlu also held various meetings with heads of foreign delegations.

On the previous evening, he attended a dinner hosted at the residence of Anıl Bora İnan, Türkiye’s ambassador to Baghdad.

Ertuğruloğlu and his accompanying delegation are expected to return to the country today.