President Ersin Tatar on Wednesday said that he represented all Turkish Cypriots, not just living in the TRNC but also those living abroad in countries such as Australia and the UK.

The president was speaking during online meetings held with representatives of Turkish Cypriot civil society organisations based in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.

Thanking the representatives for their efforts in promoting and protecting Turkish Cypriots’ identity and cultural heritage, Tatar said that the meetings were the continuation of the first such meetings launched in April 2021.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot people made great sacrifices and paid a heavy price to achieve what they possess today; President Ersin Tatar said that it was important for Turkish Cypriot youth, particularly those living abroad to have a good grasp of the Cyprus Issue and to understand the importance of the national cause.

He added that Turkish Cypriots were just as sovereign as Greek Cypriots on the island of Cyprus.

“Turkish Cypriots have the right to self-determination,” Tatar said, adding that the Turkish Cypriot people were able to cope with the unjust international embargoes with the help of motherland Turkey.

He said that the TRNC had achieved great success in tourism and higher education despite the embargoes.

The participants for their part welcomed the meetings launched by the president, adding that it was the first time a president had made the effort to exchange views with them.

The CSO representatives also expressed their readiness to assist efforts to strengthen bonds and relations between the TRNC and Turkish Cypriots living in Australia.

They also conveyed problems experienced by Turkish Cypriots living in Australia and offered practical suggestions in solving them.