Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus remains firm in its resolve to secure its statehood, safeguard its independence, and achieve international recognition.For the Turkish Cypriot people, statehood is not a matter of political preference, but a question of security, dignity, equality, and the right to determine their own future. After decades of isolation, embargoes, and failed negotiation processes that did not deliver a just and lasting settlement, Northern Cyprus has strengthened its democratic institutions, its economy, and its national identity.
The same resolve was reiterated by the TRNC Ambassador to Islamabad, Ms. Buket Kop, in her keynote address at the reception hosted by her on the 43rd Anniversary of the founding of the State.
Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan , Ambassador Bilal Hayee was the chief guest at the occasion. Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar was also present.
Ambassadors of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan were also present. The event commenced with the National Anthems of both states, followed by the address of the Ambassador.
H.E Buket Kop noted that TRNC has observer status at Organization of Islamic Countries OIC, Organization of Turkic States OTS. We are moving forward towards international recognition.
Determination and Resilience of Turkish Cypriot People
Ambassador Kop highlighted the determination and resilience of the Turkish Cypriot people in preserving their national identity, safeguarding their existence, and pursuing their right to self-determination through the establishment of the TRNC.
Failure of Federation Negotiations
She noted that more than five decades of negotiations aimed at achieving a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality had yet to produce a settlement, due to the absence of common ground between the two sides.She emphasized that a realistic and sustainable way forward must be based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Referring to the vision presented by the Turkish Cypriot side at the Cyprus Talks in Geneva in April 2021, she reiterated that recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status was a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations and a lasting settlement.
Cyprus Issue: A Question of Political Equality
Ambassador Kop underscored that, at its core, the Cyprus issue is fundamentally a question of political equality and international status. She recalled the events of 1963, which led to the collapse of the power-sharing partnership established under the 1960 Constitutional Order, as central to understanding the issue.
She observed that, despite decades of negotiations, a comprehensive and lasting settlement had yet to be achieved.
Unequal International Treatment
The Ambassador highlighted the issue of unequal international treatment, noting that the Greek Cypriot Administration continues to be treated by the international community as though it represents the entire island, while the Turkish Cypriot people are regarded merely as a “community” and remain subject to political, economic, and diplomatic isolation.
She stated that this imbalance had created a political comfort zone for the Greek Cypriot side and discouraged meaningful compromise and genuine efforts towards achieving a just and lasting settlement.
Call to End Isolation
Drawing attention to the continued isolation of Turkish Cypriots, including its effects on international travel, trade, sports, cultural activities, and participation in international platforms, Ambassador Kop called upon the international community to recognize the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC.
She urged engagement on the basis of equality and mutual respect, stressing that ending the isolation and embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots was not merely a political necessity, but also a moral responsibility.
Acknowledgement of President Erdogan’s Support
Ambassador Kop’s address also acknowledged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s longstanding calls for the recognition of the TRNC and the establishment of diplomatic, political, and economic relations with it.
Pakistan’s Support and Friendship
Expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support for the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot people, Ambassador Kop described the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and brotherhood between Pakistan and the Turkish Cypriot people as a source of strength and encouragement.
She expressed hope for further strengthening political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation between Pakistan and the Turkish Cypriot people.
Conclusion: Negotiations Only on Equal Basis
Ambassador Kop emphasized that meaningful negotiations could only begin once the inequality between the two sides was addressed, stating:”Meaningful negotiations can only begin once the inequality between the two sides is rectified. Only then can we truly move forward.”
The reception underscored the importance of the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between Pakistan and the Turkish Cypriot people.
The leadership and people continue to insist that any future solution must be based on the realities on the ground, sovereign equality, and equal international status. With determination and patience, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues its struggle for recognition as a sovereign and independent state, and for its rightful place in the comity of nations.
