President Ersin Tatar on Monday reminded that the natural resources and wealth surrounding the island of Cyprus belonged to both sides and that the Turkish Cypriot side was obliged to protect its rights to the very end.

In a live interview with Turkish news channel BBN Türk, Tatar said that a fair distribution of the island’s resources would bring great economic benefit to both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

He repeated his view that transporting natural gas discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe via Turkey was the most feasible option.

Tatar also said that it was not possible to ignore the fact that there were two separate states and peoples in Cyprus.

Underlining the importance of the continuation of Turkey’s guarantees in preventing the Greek Cypriot side’s dreams of transforming Cyprus into a Greek island, President Ersin Tatar said that the presence of Turkish troops on the island served as a deterrent.

Responding to a question regarding Azerbaijan, he said that the TRNC had a unique and special relationship with the Turkic country.

“There are hundreds of students and academics from Azerbaijan studying and working at TRNC universities,” Tatar said.

The president said that Turkic countries had nothing to lose but much to gain if they acted as bold and courageous as Turkey in establishing stronger relations with the TRNC.

Regarding another question on UK-TRNC relations post Brexit, Tatar expressed the view that there remained obstacles for setting direct flights between the two countries but that he believed there could be some easing in commercial restrictions in due time.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the TRNC economy and its infrastructure.

“This was the dream of the late Rauf Raif Denktaş and Dr Fazıl Küçük. I continue to represent their dreams and aspirations,” he said.

Asked to comment on the Maraş initiative, Tatar said that the move to reopen the town for resettlement will contribute to the TRNC’s economy, tourism and political policies.