President Tatar, who spoke during his meeting with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, stated that “history was made yesterday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” with the opening of the new Presidency and Parliamentary Assembly “that are the monumental expressions of the long-standing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People for their sovereignty and independence”.

“Even if we are two separate States as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Türkiye, we are a whole, one and the same with the same goals,” President Tatar said,  emphasising:  “As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we are happy to carry out our work in the Blue Homeland in harmony with the Republic of Türkiye for the survival of our national interests and future.”

In reference to how he had first put forward the proposal for the construction of a new Presidency, President Tatar explained: “President Erdoğan was paying a visit to the TRNC in November 2020 to participate in the Republic Day celebrations. Following our meeting at the old Presidency – which is an old building dating back to the colonial period, I stated to President Erdoğan that the building was inadequate, small and not befitting for the TRNC.  President Erdoğan responded by stating that a Presidential complex befitting for the TRNC will be constructed.”

Stating that the Presidency undertook an initiative to locate a large piece of land that would be suitable for the new complex, President Tatar said: “We located the large piece of land in Metehan area that is 500 dönüms. History was made yesterday with the inauguration of this new monumental structure – consisting of the new Presidency and Parliamentary Assembly – that have been constructed through this great vision  which are part of the Republic Complex.  The new Presidency and Parliamentary Assembly are monumental expressions of the long-standing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People for their sovereignty and independence.”

President Tatar stressed: “With the Presidency and the Assembly of the Republic buildings, the new Supreme Court building and mosque under construction, the national library and social activity area, this region will become a centre of the TRNC,” and added: “A great work has been done that the whole world will be watching with admiration.”

President Tatar added: “I have always opened the doors of the old Presidential building to the public, and we will continue on our path in unity and solidarity here as well. Therefore, the institutions and organisations of this country, the mukhtars, engineers, architects, public councils, actors, artists, musicians . . . will be able to meet in this monumental building, under this roof, and carry out their own activities.  We will be able to comfortably host large delegation visits, and the building will accommodate all kinds of opportunities and capabilities.  Therefore, this is the home of the people. It is a very important complex for us as the Turkish Cypriot people will be able to come together there.”

Stating that an edition of TEKNOFEST has been successfully held in the TRNC, President Tatar said: “TEKNOFEST is about innovation, technology and inspiration.  Inspired Turkish Cypriot youth participated in a number of activities and competitions and young people from every region of Türkiye met with Turkish Cypriot youth here.”

“All of these latest developments have clearly shown to the international community once again that there are two separate States in the Island of Cyprus, two separate peoples, two separate democracies and the realisation of such works is the greatest expression of our struggle and our plea to the world.”

Vice President Yılmaz said:  “Yesterday, with the presence of our President, these buildings were officially put into service. I know very well that you are a person who has put forward the idea and pioneered it from the beginning. I wish to especially express my gratitude to you. Of course, we express our gratitude to our President and everyone who contributed. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has gained a work that will hopefully be a legacy for future generations.”

Stating that the Presidential Campus Project is a “seal,” Mr. Yılmaz added: “This project does not only consist of the Presidency and the Assembly of the Republic buildings, it is an exemplary work consisting of a national garden, mosque, library, and high court.”

“I am aware of how you have been at the forefront to have this complex constructed,” Vice President Yılmaz said. “I wish to convey our gratitude to you, our President, and to all those who have laboured hard to realise this vision, that will be of benefit to future generations.”

Stating that “there were kilometres-long traffic queues for TEKNOFEST,” Vice President Yılmaz said: “The Turkish Cypriot People have shown overwhelming interest and have attended TEKNOFEST, which is about science and technology, modernisation and innovation.”

Vice President Yılmaz underlined the “support of the Republic of Türkiye to the fullest extent,” to the vision for a two State settlement put forward by President Tatar, that is “for a settlement that is based on the realities of the Island. . .this is most evident in the addresses of our President [Erdoğan] delivered at the UN sessions of the General Assembly and all other Platforms”.