Türkiye has formally celebrated the 42nd anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s establishment, reaffirming steadfast support for the Turkish Cypriot community’s sovereignty and existence. In an official statement released Saturday, the Foreign Ministry characterized the TRNC as “the most valuable manifestation of the sovereignty and existence struggle that Turkish Cypriots have waged since 1963” and emphasized its significance as the primary symbol of the Turkish national cause in Cyprus.
Historical Context and Sovereignty
The ministry’s communication highlighted the TRNC’s establishment as the culmination of Turkish Cypriots’ decades-long struggle for self-determination and security. The statement recognized the enduring contributions of foundational leaders including the late Fazıl Küçük, a pioneering voice in the Turkish Cypriot sovereignty movement, and Rauf Raif Denktaş, the TRNC’s founding president who guided the nation through its formative years amid significant regional challenges.
Türkiye’s Guarantor Commitment
Reiterating Türkiye’s position as both motherland and guarantor power, the Foreign Ministry affirmed continuous support for the Turkish Cypriot people and determination to pursue constructive efforts toward achieving an equitable, lasting resolution to the Cyprus issue. The statement emphasized that any sustainable settlement must acknowledge existing realities on the island while respecting Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and security requirements within the broader Eastern Mediterranean context.
Tribute to Sacrifice and Service
The commemorative message paid solemn tribute to soldiers and combatants who lost their lives during the Turkish Cypriot struggle for self-determination while expressing profound appreciation for veterans who contributed to the cause. The ministry concluded by sharing “the pride and enthusiasm of the Turkish Cypriots, who are an inseparable part of the Great Turkish Nation,” reinforcing the enduring cultural and political bonds between Türkiye and the TRNC.