By Laman Zeynalova
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 3. Northern Cyrus hopes
that its relationship with Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen,
particularly in the areas of economy and investment, President of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar said in an
exclusive interview with Trend, as he visited Baku.
Talking about the upcoming summit of the Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO) in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi, he expressed
satisfaction with taking the rightful place within the
organization: “I will, of course, emphasize this during the
He pointed out that at present, the organization includes very
large countries.
“Beyond the Turkic states, there are members such as Iran,
Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This is indeed a vast
organization, encompassing nearly a billion people – the combined
population of these countries exceeds 800 million. Our own
population is relatively small.
Nevertheless, the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus carries significant geopolitical importance. We possess
ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as airspace rights. The
region constitutes critical areas of jurisdiction, including
exclusive economic zones, territorial waters, and continental
shelves – all of which Northern Cyprus has legitimate rights over.
Therefore, when one considers Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the
Caucasus, Anatolia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Cyprus
completes the geographical composition of the Economic Cooperation
Organization. We are situated at the southernmost point, right at
the forefront of the Mediterranean, on this strategically located
island in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Ersin Tatar explained.
In this regard, he believes Northern Cyprus is an important part
of the organization.
“The EU, with its 27 member states and a population of 500
million, included Southern Cyprus, whose population is merely
750,000. Our population is 500,000. Moreover, Southern Cyprus is
located 1,000 to 1,600 kilometres from Greece, whereas we are only
60 kilometres away from Türkiye. Our proximity to Türkiye is
undeniable, and Türkiye itself is the largest country within both
the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Organization of
Turkic States.
Therefore, it is only natural that we, too, have the right to
represent ourselves and participate actively within these
organizations. If Southern Cyprus can represent its interests
within the European Union – where population size is not a
determining factor, but rather geography, territory, and
sovereignty are prioritised – then our membership in the Economic
Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Turkic States is
even more justified. The European Union went to great lengths to
include Southern Cyprus despite geographical challenges. In our
case, what could be more natural than Northern Cyprus being a
member of these organisations, given our rightful place, strategic
location, and historical ties?” said the president of Northern
Ersin Tatar noted that Northern Cyprus maintains sincere
relations with all Turkic states as well.
“Even though we hold observer status within the Organization of
Turkic States, we are nonetheless a member and participate in many
of its meetings. Of course, our relationship with Azerbaijan is
unique. President Ilham Aliyev has expressed great support for us
during our meetings.
My sincere hope is that our relationship with Azerbaijan will
continue to strengthen, particularly in the areas of economy and
investment. We see ourselves as one nation with three states. Just
as Azerbaijan is important to us, just as Türkiye is important to
us, so too are our brothers in these lands. For us, it is a simple
truth: we are one nation, three states. These three states share an
exceptionally close and special bond – and this reflects the
reality of who we are,” he said.
Ersin Tatar went on to add that today, there are significant
investors in tourism in Northern Cyprus.
“Some of the leading hotel owners from the Republic of Türkiye
have built hotels in Northern Cyprus with capacities of 500 beds or
more, and they continue to invest. They see the potential now. If
conditions improve in the near future, charter flights could bring
tourists to Northern Cyprus from all over the world.
The first step is to resolve the issue of direct flights within
legal frameworks, particularly through charter flights. That alone
would bring significant prosperity. Therefore, tourism is extremely
important for Northern Cyprus,” he said.
In addition, as Ersin Tatar said, there are around 20
universities with a wide variety of faculties in Northern
“The Turkish Cypriot community benefits from professors brought
from Türkiye, many of whom are retired, as well as lecturers who
come from or have studied in the UK and elsewhere. In the near
future, Northern Cyprus could truly become an attractive hub,” he
Ersin Tatar said he wishes to see not only an increase in
visitors from Türkiye but also from Azerbaijan.
“There is significant potential there. Many Azerbaijanis travel
to Türkiye, and since Türkiye is so close to Northern Cyprus, it is
very convenient for them. For instance, I have heard that there are
now flights from Azerbaijan to Adana. From there, without even
changing planes, one could continue directly. Cyprus is only 20
minutes from Adana,” he explained.
Ersin Tatar noted that Northern Cyprus is constantly working to
strengthen its relations with Azerbaijan.
“There are already many Azerbaijanis living in Northern Cyprus.
I attend their weddings, funerals, religious gatherings –
everything. I always try to show them respect. Because I know the
strength and potential that Azerbaijan carries. Whenever I visit, I
can see in people’s eyes that they hold affection for us.
Therefore, it is essential that we maintain good relations with
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a strong country. Today, it produces
abundant oil and gas and sells it. Azerbaijan holds a very special
place in the hearts of the Turkish Cypriot people. During the
Karabakh War, the Turkish Cypriot community followed events with
deep concern, and we were all overjoyed by the outcome.
However, it is important to remain vigilant in the period ahead.
Nothing remains static; things are always changing, and new
developments can occur. That is why we must follow these matters
closely until the very end, protect what is ours, and intervene
when tensions arise,” he concluded.