President Ersin Tatar on Monday said that the struggle waged by Turkey and the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean was for the recognition of sovereign rights.

“No one should underestimate us. We have the region’s strongest power, Turkey backing us up,” he said.

Speaking during a visit paid to him by Rear Admiral Cihat Yaycı and his accompanying delegation, Tatar highlighted the importance of protecting the Turkish nation’s rights and interests within the framework of the Blue Homeland doctrine.

“The TRNC plays a crucial role in defending our geopolitical rights in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.

Tatar also reminded the Turkish Cypriot side’s call to the Greek Cypriot side for collaboration on the issue of hydrocarbons.

“We told them (the Greek Cypriot side) that if they are truly sincere then we are ready to come together at a conference where all relevant parties and regional countries are represented to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However the Greek Cypriot side refused to hold such a meeting but instead chose to sign deals with international companies, acting as the sole owner of the island,” he said.

President Ersin Tatar also highlighted the importance of maintaining the Turkish-Greek balance in Cyprus and the continuation of Turkey’s guarantees in Cyprus.