Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay met with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cyprus Affairs Recep Akdağ who was holding official contacts in the TRNC.
In a statement prior to the meeting, Minister Özersay said that TRNC should make a joint effort with Turkey for the economic and social development of the TRNC, and added that there is already strong cooperation and a common view between the TRNC and Turkey on this issue.
“We believe that we can further improve the relationship between the TRNC and Turkey” Özersay added.
Regarding the 16th April meeting between TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades, Özersay reiterated that this will be an opportunity for dialogue, but will not be a resumption of the previous process. Stressing that the Greek Cypriot side should show a willingness to reach a comprehensive solution in Cyprus, Özersay said that recent experience shows that the Greek Cypriot side has never demonstrated this desire. He added that there is no evidence of a “change of mentality” from the Greek Cypriot side.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cyprus Affairs Recep Akdağ stated in a speech that as long as the equality of Turkish Cypriots is not accepted by the Greek Cypriots, Turkey will not give up its right to guarantee.
Akdağ stressed that Turkey will never accept a discussion on the equality of Turkish Cypriots on the island, and that there is full agreement to continue efforts for a political solution in Cyprus.