President Ersin Tatar on Wednesday said that he was pleased to say that the country’s economy and tourism has recovered, returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Tatar issued a written statement evaluating the latest developments in the country.

The president on Wednesday said that the government’s priority now was to pass the 2023 Financial Budget so as to allow all state and government services to continue uninterruptedly and run smoothly.

“When we look at the economy; tourism, higher education and agricultural production has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. This is an important accomplishment,” he said.

Tatar said that despite the negative impact the pandemic and loss of the value of the Turkish Lira against foreign currencies had on public finances, the state was successful in meeting its obligations, making out its payments thanks to motherland Türkiye’s support, a series of austerity measures and fiscal discipline.

Also touching upon the Cyprus Issue, President Ersin Tatar said that the new policy the Turkish Cypriot side had adopted and the steps taken in that direction, particularly the opening of the fenced-off city of Maraş, will bring with it numerous economic benefits in the period ahead.

“The opening of Maraş has made Gazimağusa a popular area, contributing both to the local and the country’s economy,” he said, adding that the increase in the number of university students and high demand in the tourism sector were all promising developments.

Tatar however added that numerous challenges remained in light of regional developments and rising oil prices.

He said that much responsibility fell on the government to take necessary measures so as to mitigate the negative impact of these dynamics.