Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has welcomed the decision by the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) to grant the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) observer state status.
“I hail the TRNC’s approval as an observer state to the Organisation of Turkic States just days before it celebrates its 39th anniversary of establishment with pride. Today is a historic day,” Ertuğruloğlu said in a written statement.
Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruoğlu on Friday welcomed the decision by the Organisation of Turkic States to accept the TRNC as a non-member observer state.
Expressing his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish Foreign Ministry for their efforts in achieving observer status for the TRNC, Ertuğruloğlu said that the country was overjoyed with its inclusion in an international organisation just days before it was getting ready to celebrate its 39th anniversary of establishment.
He said that the decision has added greater meaning to the TRNC’s anniversary, demonstrating that the Turkish Cypriot side’s new policy based on a two-state solution was a justified and realistic move, one that was in harmony with the regional and global conjuncture.
Ertuğruloğlu also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the other Turkic states which he said the Turkish Cypriot people shared a joint history, culture and identity.
The TRNC foreign minister said that the decision was a reflection of the unity and solidarity among Turkic states.
He added that the TRNC will do all it can to serve the goals and aims of the organisation as well as to further strengthen ties with the Turkic member states.