Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials reaffirmed their commitment to security cooperation and the protection of Turkish Cypriot rights this week, as tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and disputes over Cyprus continue to shape regional diplomacy.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday marking his first 200 days in office, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman voiced support for recent remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.
Earlier, Erdoğan warned that any attempt to undermine the rights and interests of Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots in the region would receive a “clear and firm response.”
“President Erdoğan’s statement is entirely appropriate,” Erhürman said. “No initiative aimed at excluding the Turkish Cypriot people and the Republic of Türkiye from issues such as security, energy and maritime jurisdiction areas can succeed.”
Erhürman noted the Turkish Cypriot administration has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts through international platforms, including the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) and meetings of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Kazakhstan, to advance the interests of Turkish Cypriots.
