Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay had high level contacts in Jeddah where he went upon the official invitation of the OIC Secretary-General El-Useymin.
Özersay and the Secretary-General El-Useymin exchanged views on various issues, including developing relations with the OIC, at which the TRNC is an observer member under the title of “Turkish Cypriot State”. The Secretary-General and Özersay also discussed developing relations between the TRNC and other OIC member states.
While in Jeddah, Minister Özersay also met with the Executive Director of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, Marghoob Saleem. Saleem spoke about the commission’s work, and Minister Özersay informed Saleem about the isolations on Turkish Cypriots in all areas, adding that Turkish Cypriots are even prevented from participating in sporting, cultural and arts-based activities.
Saleem emphasised that they are closely following the restrictions and isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots, and added that they are ready to cooperate on the issue.
Minister Özersay additionally met with Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Mansur Mukhtar. Özersay expressed his gratitude and thanked him for the support given by the bank to projects in the TRNC, especially in the fields of education and health. Özersay also informed Mukhtar about the on-going and new projects. Mukhtar stated that this support and cooperation would continue, and would even be developed further.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay completed his contacts in Jeddah after a dinner given in his honour by the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation, Salih Mutlu Şen.