President Ersin Tatar speaks at the 7th İstanbul Economic Summit
"The guarantee of Türkiye and the continued presence of Turkish forces on the Island of Cyprus is our red line”
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President Tatar delivered the opening speech of the 7th İstanbul Economic Summit held at Çırağan Palace as part of his contacts in İstanbul.
President Ersin Tatar stated that when looking at the Republic of Türkiye from the TRNC, he is “hopeful,” and that “with the continuation of stability in Türkiye, with the decisions taken under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, everything will be better in the new century”.
Stating that as an economist, he “fully comprehends that growth and prosperity can only be achieved by capitalising on the potential by making effective use of stability, confidence, human resources and infrastructure”.
Drawing attention to the importance of justice in this framework, President Tatar said that there could be conflict when affluent people in extreme cases have aporophobia and “look down” on financially weaker individuals. He said it is therefore a necessity for the distribution of income and sustainability of resources to prevail in order to ensure justice.
President Tatar emphasised that a balance needs to be struck between today's generation and the next, adding: "Today, everything is in our hands. . . it is important not to consume everything so as to leave a debt to future generations, which would indeed be a great injustice.” He also stressed that the environment, nature and culture must be protected in order for full potential to be realised.
President Tatar stated that even though the potential of TRNC currently seems to be limited, the country is “becoming more and more important and valuable every passing day,” and drawing attention to the importance of the new policy with regards to the Cyprus issue, the President said: "We continue to reiterate daily that we must protect the TRNC."
Pointing out the dangers that the federal understanding may bring, President Tatar said that with the experiences from the past, including the "Annan Plan", it is clear that the Greek Cypriot Side are “no longer willing or able to establish a partnership on the basis of equality with the Turkish Cypriot People under one roof”.
President Tatar stated that the TRNC, naturally, has a say with regards to protecting its own as well as the legitimate interests of the Republic of Türkiye and protecting her security. He said nobody can exclude Türkiye from the region.
President Tatar noted that the relationship between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots is very important for the continuation of stability in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the equitable sharing of prosperity.
Referring to the call made by President Erdoğan for cooperation on the sharing of natural resources before his visit to Athens, President Tatar also reminded the calls President Erdoğan made at the United Nations in New York.
President Tatar stated that many important issues in Cyprus can be addressed through the cooperative relationship of two States in the absence of a political settlement. He added that only with such understanding can a conducive atmosphere be created, that would help reach a settlement in Cyprus.
In reference to the Cyprus issue, President Tatar said: “The guarantee of the Republic of Türkiye and the continued presence of Turkish forces on the Island is our red line.” He added that a solution in this context will have great economic benefits for both sides of Cyprus. The President also added that with a settlement, the Greek Cypriot Side would benefit from the opening of the ports and airports of the Republic of Türkiye.
President Tatar noted that the annual per capita income was around 300 dollars in 1963, and that this figure increased to 500 dollars after 1974, and now, despite all the negativities, it is around 15,000. The President explained that the TRNC had suffered significant economic losses during the pandemic period, but said the negative effects had been minimised through correct measures and governance. The President added that the figures have surpassed the pre-pandemic years and will continue to increase thanks to the new airport built with the great support of the Republic of Türkiye.
President Tatar stated that the pandemic, the Ukrainian War and the Earthquake on February 6, 2023 had negative effects on the country, but the TRNC will continue to be a centre of attraction with the determination and attitude of looking to the future with hope and with the support of the Republic of Türkiye. Emphasising that serious investments are being made in the country, President Tatar said: “I congratulate those who continue to make investments despite the isolation and embargoes.”
Commenting on the “Project of the Century” – in reference to the 80km long undersea pipeline transporting 75 million m3 of water per annum from Türkiye to the TRNC which began operating in 2015, President Tatar said: “The Island has due to global warming been hit by drought and this water is very important for the Turkish Cypriot People and our economy. Work is also underway to solve the energy issue with a similar undersea electricity cable. I have made cooperation proposals to the Greek Cypriot Side for us to benefit from these resources together, however I have not received a positive response to my cooperation proposals.”
Concluding his words, the President said: "Cyprus is our national cause and invaluable to us. The TRNC and Türkiye are stronger by continuing to act in solidarity and through the numerous cooperation projects between the two countries.”
President Tatar wished that the organisations success for the future and congratulated those who contributed to the organisation of the 7th Economic Summit.