President Ersin Tatar addresses the 12th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States held in Gabala, Azerbaijan
“We aspire to establish the Turkic Youth Academy in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a platform that will bring together the youth of the Turkic world.”
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President Ersin Tatar delivered a speech at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), held in the ancient city of Gabala, Azerbaijan.
The address of President Tatar reads as follows:
“I extend my sincere gratitude to my esteemed brother, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and to the beloved people of Azerbaijan, for hosting this meaningful summit in the ancient city of Gabala.
The Turkic States may represent different borders and different flags; yet, we are all heirs to the same history, the same faith, the same language, and the same shared epics.
As the Turkish Cypriot People, we feel our own colour in the flags of each brotherly Turkic state, and our own emotions in their national anthems. This spiritual bond is what makes us one great family.
It is deeply meaningful that this summit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, a glorious chapter inscribed in golden letters in our common Turkic history.
The determination, courage, and just struggle of brotherly Azerbaijan led to a victory that represents not only the liberation of lands, but also the triumph of justice and national resolve -- a victory shared by the entire Turkic family.
The Karabakh Victory once again proved a simple truth: when the Turkic world stands united, every challenge can be overcome. Acting in solidarity, the Turkic States not only safeguard their own security, but also serve as the strongest guarantors of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we have always stood by Azerbaijan in its just cause -- and we shall continue to do so.
We are the inheritors of a shared history nourished by the same geography of the heart, the same civilisation, and the same roots. Today, we are not merely gathering together -- but are indeed shaping our common future.
The Organisation of Turkic States transforms the brotherhood born of common history, language, and culture into a strategic partnership. In line with the Turkic States 2040 Vision, it is a structure that strengthens political cohesion, economic integration, digital connectivity, and humanitarian solidarity.
In the world today, peace can only be achieved through regional and global solidarity and through inclusive, shared decision-making mechanisms.
This reality demonstrates that the Organisation of Turkic States is assuming responsibility not only for regional peace but also within the global peace architecture.
However, we are living in a turbulent era in which the post-Cold War order has collapsed, and a new balance has yet to be established.
State fragilities, migration movements, the climate crisis, pandemics, the rapid transformation of technology, and the growing competition in energy and trade have made global security more complex than ever.
The ongoing human tragedy in Gaza is the most tangible proof that the current international system is failing -- unable to function and incapable of producing justice.
Our countries must therefore deepen their solidarity in the fields of security, crisis management, and mediation.
Greater integration among OTS member states will make a significant contribution to global peace and stability.
From trade routes to energy corridors, from cultural exchanges to academic cooperation, we must deepen our relations in every field.
Indeed, at a time when walls are being built across different parts of the world, the Turkic world is in contrast building bridges.
We stand not for geopolitical rivalry, but for solidarity; not for conflict, but for dialogue.
Each bridge we build is a line of hope extending into the future.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the strategic stronghold of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean.
Owing to its geographical location, the TRNC is the gateway of the Organisation of Turkic States to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The TRNC is also a natural hub for transport and logistics, higher education and research, tourism, green energy, and the digital economy.
As representatives of the Turkish presence in the eastern Mediterranean, we take pride in contributing to the objectives in energy security, maritime trade, and regional peace of the Turkic World.
Yet, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus continues to intensify its armament efforts on an island that should serve as a haven of peace and stability.
While making so-called calls for peace and negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side devotes enormous resources to weapons and opens its air and naval bases to extra-regional actors -- threatening the security of our island.
These developments risk not only the stability of Cyprus but also the peace and security of the eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the legitimate representative of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean, and a steadfast partner for peace.
Despite being subjected to unjust and unlawful international isolation, the TRNC looks to the future with confidence -- through its institutional capacity, inclusive and functioning democracy, and growing economy.
There is no doubt that the guarantorship of Motherland Türkiye, derived from international treaties, remains the fundamental guarantee of security and stability on our island.
The Turkish Cypriot People have waged a decades-long struggle for peace, freedom, and dignity.
Our sovereignty, despite international pressures, is firmly rooted in the will of our people.
The Turkish Cypriot People have always pursued a just and lasting settlement based on their own will, equality, and mutual respect.
Today, the two State vision for Cyprus reflects the realities on the island and constitutes the only fair, sustainable, and lasting path to peace.
True peace cannot be achieved by one side dominating the other, but only on the basis of mutual respect and trust, through the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of both sides.
As the Turkish Cypriot People, we speak the language of peace, not of conflict.
We have repeatedly extended proposals for cooperation to the Greek Cypriot side in various fields, yet regrettably, these well-intentioned calls have not received a concrete response.
Nevertheless, we shall continue to advocate for dialogue and mutual trust.
In this regard, the continued solidarity of the Turkic world and its support for the just struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People constitute a profound source of strength for us.
Increasing joint efforts to lift the restrictions and overcome the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot People will further reinforce the spirit of peace and cooperation.
Indeed, the acceptance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an Observer Member of the Organisation of Turkic States in 2022 stands as clear proof that the Turkish Cypriot People are not alone.
The TRNC stands ready to play an active role in all fields of activity within the Organisation of Turkic States.
We attach great importance to advancing the strong economic cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC, while also developing economic relations with all Turkic States.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we aspire to serve as the representative of the 2040 Vision of the Turkic World, in the eastern Mediterranean.
We wish to build the future of the Turkic World not only through our institutions but also in the hearts of our youth and in the classrooms of our children.
Today, more than 5,000 students from OTS member states are studying at over 20 universities in our country, and we are working to further increase this number in the coming years.
At this stage, I would like to share a proposal on behalf of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:
We aspire to establish the Turkic Youth Academy in the TRNC, which will bring together the youth of the Turkic world.
This academy will provide young people from all corners of the Turkic geography with a shared vision to address the contemporary challenges of our era.
Most importantly, we wish for the ideas, initiatives, and innovations of our youth to evolve into a common value chain through digital networks. Lefkoşa could become a new hub for knowledge and technology exchange in this field.
With these thoughts, I once again extend my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, the Liberator of Karabakh, for his generous hospitality at this meaningful summit.
The Organisation of Turkic States is not only a legacy of our common past, but also the greatest guarantee of our shared future.
This organisation stands as a symbol of the collective wisdom and common will of the Turkic World.
Every decision taken here contributes not only to our countries but also to the establishment of peace, stability, and justice for all humanity.
May the unity, solidarity, and shared determination of the Turkic World endure forever.”
The address of President Tatar reads as follows:
“I extend my sincere gratitude to my esteemed brother, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and to the beloved people of Azerbaijan, for hosting this meaningful summit in the ancient city of Gabala.
The Turkic States may represent different borders and different flags; yet, we are all heirs to the same history, the same faith, the same language, and the same shared epics.
As the Turkish Cypriot People, we feel our own colour in the flags of each brotherly Turkic state, and our own emotions in their national anthems. This spiritual bond is what makes us one great family.
It is deeply meaningful that this summit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, a glorious chapter inscribed in golden letters in our common Turkic history.
The determination, courage, and just struggle of brotherly Azerbaijan led to a victory that represents not only the liberation of lands, but also the triumph of justice and national resolve -- a victory shared by the entire Turkic family.
The Karabakh Victory once again proved a simple truth: when the Turkic world stands united, every challenge can be overcome. Acting in solidarity, the Turkic States not only safeguard their own security, but also serve as the strongest guarantors of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we have always stood by Azerbaijan in its just cause -- and we shall continue to do so.
We are the inheritors of a shared history nourished by the same geography of the heart, the same civilisation, and the same roots. Today, we are not merely gathering together -- but are indeed shaping our common future.
The Organisation of Turkic States transforms the brotherhood born of common history, language, and culture into a strategic partnership. In line with the Turkic States 2040 Vision, it is a structure that strengthens political cohesion, economic integration, digital connectivity, and humanitarian solidarity.
In the world today, peace can only be achieved through regional and global solidarity and through inclusive, shared decision-making mechanisms.
This reality demonstrates that the Organisation of Turkic States is assuming responsibility not only for regional peace but also within the global peace architecture.
However, we are living in a turbulent era in which the post-Cold War order has collapsed, and a new balance has yet to be established.
State fragilities, migration movements, the climate crisis, pandemics, the rapid transformation of technology, and the growing competition in energy and trade have made global security more complex than ever.
The ongoing human tragedy in Gaza is the most tangible proof that the current international system is failing -- unable to function and incapable of producing justice.
Our countries must therefore deepen their solidarity in the fields of security, crisis management, and mediation.
Greater integration among OTS member states will make a significant contribution to global peace and stability.
From trade routes to energy corridors, from cultural exchanges to academic cooperation, we must deepen our relations in every field.
Indeed, at a time when walls are being built across different parts of the world, the Turkic world is in contrast building bridges.
We stand not for geopolitical rivalry, but for solidarity; not for conflict, but for dialogue.
Each bridge we build is a line of hope extending into the future.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the strategic stronghold of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean.
Owing to its geographical location, the TRNC is the gateway of the Organisation of Turkic States to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The TRNC is also a natural hub for transport and logistics, higher education and research, tourism, green energy, and the digital economy.
As representatives of the Turkish presence in the eastern Mediterranean, we take pride in contributing to the objectives in energy security, maritime trade, and regional peace of the Turkic World.
Yet, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus continues to intensify its armament efforts on an island that should serve as a haven of peace and stability.
While making so-called calls for peace and negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side devotes enormous resources to weapons and opens its air and naval bases to extra-regional actors -- threatening the security of our island.
These developments risk not only the stability of Cyprus but also the peace and security of the eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the legitimate representative of the Turkic world in the eastern Mediterranean, and a steadfast partner for peace.
Despite being subjected to unjust and unlawful international isolation, the TRNC looks to the future with confidence -- through its institutional capacity, inclusive and functioning democracy, and growing economy.
There is no doubt that the guarantorship of Motherland Türkiye, derived from international treaties, remains the fundamental guarantee of security and stability on our island.
The Turkish Cypriot People have waged a decades-long struggle for peace, freedom, and dignity.
Our sovereignty, despite international pressures, is firmly rooted in the will of our people.
The Turkish Cypriot People have always pursued a just and lasting settlement based on their own will, equality, and mutual respect.
Today, the two State vision for Cyprus reflects the realities on the island and constitutes the only fair, sustainable, and lasting path to peace.
True peace cannot be achieved by one side dominating the other, but only on the basis of mutual respect and trust, through the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of both sides.
As the Turkish Cypriot People, we speak the language of peace, not of conflict.
We have repeatedly extended proposals for cooperation to the Greek Cypriot side in various fields, yet regrettably, these well-intentioned calls have not received a concrete response.
Nevertheless, we shall continue to advocate for dialogue and mutual trust.
In this regard, the continued solidarity of the Turkic world and its support for the just struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People constitute a profound source of strength for us.
Increasing joint efforts to lift the restrictions and overcome the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot People will further reinforce the spirit of peace and cooperation.
Indeed, the acceptance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an Observer Member of the Organisation of Turkic States in 2022 stands as clear proof that the Turkish Cypriot People are not alone.
The TRNC stands ready to play an active role in all fields of activity within the Organisation of Turkic States.
We attach great importance to advancing the strong economic cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC, while also developing economic relations with all Turkic States.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we aspire to serve as the representative of the 2040 Vision of the Turkic World, in the eastern Mediterranean.
We wish to build the future of the Turkic World not only through our institutions but also in the hearts of our youth and in the classrooms of our children.
Today, more than 5,000 students from OTS member states are studying at over 20 universities in our country, and we are working to further increase this number in the coming years.
At this stage, I would like to share a proposal on behalf of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:
We aspire to establish the Turkic Youth Academy in the TRNC, which will bring together the youth of the Turkic world.
This academy will provide young people from all corners of the Turkic geography with a shared vision to address the contemporary challenges of our era.
Most importantly, we wish for the ideas, initiatives, and innovations of our youth to evolve into a common value chain through digital networks. Lefkoşa could become a new hub for knowledge and technology exchange in this field.
With these thoughts, I once again extend my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, the Liberator of Karabakh, for his generous hospitality at this meaningful summit.
The Organisation of Turkic States is not only a legacy of our common past, but also the greatest guarantee of our shared future.
This organisation stands as a symbol of the collective wisdom and common will of the Turkic World.
Every decision taken here contributes not only to our countries but also to the establishment of peace, stability, and justice for all humanity.
May the unity, solidarity, and shared determination of the Turkic World endure forever.”