Holding a press conference at Ercan Airport on Tuesday, President Tatar stated that he will be travelling to Australia, following the invitation extended to him by the civil organisations in Sydney and Melbourne, to participate in festivals, meetings and events, marking the momentous anniversary.

President Tatar said: “There are around 100,000 Turkish Cypriots who are living in Australia, whose first wave of migration goes back some 80 years, due to various reasons dating back to the period of the First World War and British colonial period, and the oppression suffered by Turkish Cypriots in the Island of Cyprus. Many families in the TRNC have relatives and loved ones who live in Australia,  as they do in Türkiye and the UK. The Turkish Cypriots of Australia have strong links with the TRNC, many having invested in their Homeland. Following my election,  I first reached out to Australian based Turkish Cypriot civil community organisations more than three years ago,  through various online meetings during the pandemic period and thereafter.  I also met with Australian based civil community representatives when they visited the TRNC.   I have been deeply touched by the love and devotion shown by the Turkish Cypriots of Australia towards their country, the TRNC, as well as the sensitivity shown with regards to our national cause.  The hearts of every Turkish Cypriot beats together, irrespective of where in the world they live. The Turkish Cypriots, with their own history, culture and traditions, exists as a People.  I am the President of not only the Turkish Cypriot People living in the TRNC, but also of those who live abroad.  After receiving invitations to visit Australia by many of our civil society organisations, I made a promise to them that as their President, I will do whatever I can to visit multicultural Australia, and particularly to take part in the momentous celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of Turkish Cypriot migration to the country, and I am keeping my promise."

President Tatar added: "It has not to date been possible for a TRNC President to visit Australia, however a historical visit will be taking place following much planning and effort,  and I will be the first TRNC President to be paying a visit to Australia, to thank and embrace our Turkish Cypriot community there."

Stating that "Turkish Cypriots have entered their fourth generation in the country", President Tatar added:  "Despite this, our community down under have not lost their love and devotion for the TRNC, and have not severed their ties with our Homeland. Long gone are the days when it took months for a posted letter to be received between Cyprus and Australia. . .our community have succeeded in preserving their cultural heritage, and passed this on to future generations.

Many Turkish Cypriots in the TRNC have relatives and family members living in Australia.  Turkish Cypriot Australians are also our voice in putting forward our new vision, which is very important for us.  As the first TRNC President ever to visit Australia,  I am visiting to show our recognition and gratitude  to our community for their successes."

President Tatar reiterated his thanks to the civil organisations in Australia for inviting him to participate in the festivals, events and meetings,  marking the 80th anniversary of the migration of Turkish Cypriots to the country.

The President is being accompanied by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Işıksal, Special Advisor of the President on International Relations and Diplomacy, and Foreign Press Officer Kerem Haser.