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In a bid to boost the economy of the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state, Ersin Tatar is calling on international investors, particularly from Germany, to explore opportunities in the occupied territories. Speaking at an economic summit held in Kyrenia, Tatar highlighted sectors like agriculture, education, and tourism as ripe for investment, framing the region as a "success story in the Eastern Mediterranean."
The event, organized by the Northern Cyprus Promotion Platform, drew business representatives from several countries, with a notable presence from Germany. Officials like "Foreign Minister" Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and platform leaders Okiy Sadıkoğlu and Mustafa Baklan addressed the audience, emphasizing their vision of economic growth in the unrecognized state.
Tatar pointed to the large number of Turkish Cypriots living abroad, particularly in England and Australia, as well as the 4 million Turks residing in Germany, as a potential bridge for economic relations. His message to German investors was clear: "This is your homeland, the land of your homeland."
He also took a swipe at Greek Cypriots, accusing them of trying to undermine the Turkish Cypriot economy and statehood. He declared, "They will never succeed in destroying us. There are 100 million Turks behind us." Tatar insisted he would not return to peace negotiations without “sovereign equality and equal international status” for Turkish Cypriots.
The push for investment was part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with the Organization of Turkic States and Turkey itself. The platform’s chairman, Sadıkoğlu, underscored their mission to support the survival of the "TRNC" (the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and promote a two-state solution for Cyprus.
Meanwhile, delegations from countries like Kazakhstan also participated. Kazakh officials met with local leaders to discuss potential collaborations, signaling ongoing efforts to build international relationships for the breakaway state.
Despite these calls for foreign investment and recognition, the reality remains complex. The self-declared state continues to face political isolation, while the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus maintains its stance against legitimizing the division.
[With info from CNA]
