President Ersin Tatar visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries production plant headquarters that is based in Ankara where he met with company officials and stated that such investments in this field could be made in the TRNC.

President Tatar, who made a statement during the visit on Wednesday, stated that the “Republic of Türkiye is continuing to develop its defence industry that provides security, and is a strong country in the region with a say in world affairs”. 

“Investments of this kind can be made in the TRNC,” President Tatar said, adding: "Our country would  continue to develop with such an investment and take its place as a stronger country in the region, thus consolidating  its place as a developing Turkish State.  That would also send a message to the world.”

The President, who was given a tour of the plant, also listened to a presentation about the activities and projects of the company including viewings of a prototype aircraft, helicopters and other aviation projects.   The President was informed that the company is jointly owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and Turkish Aeronautical Association, making it the largest aerospace manufacturer in Türkiye. 

President Tatar stated that he was “impressed” with the pioneering technology in terms of design, aerospace system integration and manufacturing facilities at the plant that covers an area of 5 million square metres. The President also received a plaque from the company officials.

Congratulating the company for its pioneering work and vision, President Ersin Tatar pointed out that when he looked at the company's work in the field of aviation and when Cyprus was mentioned, the late Cengiz Topel immediately came to his mind.

President Tatar paid tribute to Cengiz Topel, a fighter pilot of the Turkish Air Force who, he said, is an iconic figure in the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot People, who had given his life for the national cause in August 1964.  Emphasising that the UN personnel were “insufficient” in being able to stop the attacks on Turkish Cypriots and the torture and murder  of Cengiz Topel, President Tatar said:  “However, his legacy and bravery is a beacon for us, as he played a significant part in the Turkish Cypriot People’s will to live in peace, security and in freedom, under the roof of their own State”.

Stating that the Republic of Türkiye “has always been and continues to be by the side of the TRNC,” President Tatar added: “There is a major injustice imposed on the Turkish Cypriot People, who continue to be subject to the inhumane isolation.  On this point, I express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Türkiye,  Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who made a fresh new call at the UN General Assembly in New York last month to the international community to recognise the TRNC and to form diplomatic, political and economic relations with our country”.

Emphasising that Türkiye has become a regional power due to the “brave work and vision of the Government of the Turkish Republic,” President Tatar said that “Türkiye is one of the most important countries in the world which has a say in world affairs and this makes us very proud and honoured”.

The President commended the officials and staff at the company for their innovative work “that has created Türkiye’s very own defence industry and mechanisms that is a fundamental source of security and stability”.