Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu met with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
At the meeting, Minister Ertuğruloğlu gave detailed information about the TRNC and invited the Secretary-General to the country.
Pointing out the importance that OIC member countries to know and visit the TRNC, Ertuğruloğlu noted that close co-operation of the OIC member countries with the TRNC would be supportive and beneficial for the Turkish Cypriot people in overcoming the embargoes.
Stating that the TRNC is ready for all kind of cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade and education, Ertuğruloğlu said that over 22,000 students from the OIC member countries have received education in the TRNC, and mentioned the importance of developing this kind of cooperation.
Minister Ertuğruloğlu briefed the Secretary –General about the Cyprus problem and the ongoing fifty-year negotiation process. Emphasizing that political equality and sovereignty rights are very important for the Turkish Cypriot people, Ertuğruloğlu stated that Turkey’s guarantee is also indispensable for Turkish Cypriots.
Stating that Turkey supports the TRNC unconditionally in every fields, Ertuğruloğlu said that the Turkish Cypriot people live safely thanks to Turkey.
Ertuğruloğlu added that Turkish Cypriots would be happy and honoured to host Mr. Othaimeen in the TRNC, and to give him the opportunity to learn more about the TRNC.
Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu also answered the Secretary–General’s questions about the Cyprus negotiation process, the Cyprus problem and the TRNC.
Ertuğruloğlu was accompanied by the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Lakadamyalı, the TRNC İstanbul Consul General Fahri Yönlüer and the Second Secretary Çağrı Kalfaoğlu.
As a gift after the meeting, Ertuğruloğlu gave the Secretary-General a plaque with a photograph of Girne Harbour.
Following the meeting, Ertuğruloğlu attended a lunch hosted in his honour by the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.