A collective opening and project launch ceremony was held at the Prime Ministry Data Centre in the capital Lefkoşa on Wednesday.

Visiting Turkish vice President Fuat Oktay who took part in the opening ceremony gave important messages regarding the economic and financial cooperation protocol signed between the two countries.

The collective opening and project launch ceremony of the Public Data Centre, which includes the e-government structure, grant and investment project, Highway projects and State Hydraulic Works Projects were realised at the Prime Ministry Data Centre.

Speaking during the ceremony Turkish Vice President Oktay emphasized that within the scope of the economic and financial cooperation protocol, a contribution of 2.5 billion Turkish Liras will be provided to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, in addition to the 4 billion 250 million TL resources, by the end of this year.

Stating that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been in a struggle for existence and development for half a century Oktay said that the Turkish Cypriot people have also given many struggles in the tourism, education, agriculture, transport, energy and production sectors.

“The Turkish Cypriot people have struggled to obtain a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, and it has fought for its rightful cause both in the field and at the negotiation table. Türkiye has always provided support to the Turkish Cypriot people and will continue to do so in the future as well” said Oktay.

Touching upon the issue of the presidential complex, Assembly building and the National Park projects, Oktay said that the projects will be a symbol worthy of the presidency and reflecting the national will of the Turkish Cypriot people.

He said that those who are against the complex will find that they are up against the TRNC and the Turkish state.

Emphasizing that Türkiye will continue to do whatever is necessary so that the Turkish Cypriots look to the future with confidence and continue to live in peace, tranquillity and prosperity, Oktay said, “Our vision is the reality of two separate states on the island and the recognition of the TRNC”.

He also touched upon investments that are foreseen for the welfare and development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“Our Ministry of Youth and Sports has taken action to support our Turkish Cypriot youth and athletes in the same way as they do with our own youth in Türkiye” said Oktay and also gave details regarding the support program to livestock and farmers that will take place within the economic and financial cooperation protocol.

Touching upon the Cyprus issue he said that Türkiye has strongly supported the TRNC’s solution vision based on sovereign equality and the registration of equal international status from the very beginning.

“The way to a solution can only be opened with the UN Security Council’s registration of the vested rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. However, the UN Security Council has not taken this step for a year and a half” said Oktay and added that Türkiye strongly supports the TRNC’s participation as an observer member in the Organization of Turkic States.

“An Organization of Turkic States without the TRNC will be incomplete” said Oktay.

Noting that the recognition of the TRNC is important not only for the solution of the Cyprus issue, but also for the transformation of the Eastern Mediterranean into a peace zone, Turkish Vice President Oktay emphasized that it is essential for the international community and third countries to see the realities on the Island, which side is seeking a solution and which is fleeing from it.