The Deputy Chairman of Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) Numan Kurtulmuş and Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan’s New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Tahir Budaqov paid a visit to the fenced off city of Maraş in Gazimağusa on Monday as part of their contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The two were accompanied by the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu, the TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and the TRNC Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dursun Oğuz.

The AKP and YAP Deputy Chairmen toured the opened-sections of the fenced-off town of Maraş on Monday as part of their visit to the country.

The two were first briefed about the city at the entrance gate opened for the visitors.

This was followed by another briefing given by the General Director of the Evkaf Administration İbrahim Benter in front of the Toyota building, which sets a precedent for foundation properties.

The AKP and Azeri delegations also visited the Bilal Ağa Mosque located within the town.

Speaking to the press after the visit, AKP Deputy Chairman Kurtulmuş expressed his hope that Maraş will once again become a touristic hotspot and a destination worthy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Stressing that the decision to open the fenced-off city of Maraş was a turning point, he said that the TRNC will benefit greatly from the Maraş initiative.

The delegation also visited the tomb of Pertev Paşa, one of the commanders who were martyred during the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus.