Vice President Yılmaz: “Our goal is to support the economic and social development of the TRNC”

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, during a press conference held with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar, stated, “Our aim is to support the economic and social development of the TRNC. It is to contribute to the increase of the welfare level of the people. It is to support the formation of a more competitive economy with higher added value.”

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz held a press conference with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar within the framework of his contacts in Nicosia. Speaking at the meeting held at the Presidency, Yılmaz noted that they addressed the electricity issue of the TRNC comprehensively and expressed his satisfaction that the issue was evaluated in a “supra-political” manner with the participation of government officials and the opposition under the leadership of the Presidency. He mentioned that they also had the opportunity to listen to the results of the work initiated with the Prime Minister, which involved contributions from institutions in both countries, and that the actions to be taken in the short, medium, and long term were discussed within the framework of an action plan. Yılmaz emphasized that they stand by the Turkish Cypriots with all their technical and financial means, highlighting that nearly 12 million euros worth of contracts have been signed since 2022 to alleviate the country’s energy problems.

Yılmaz reminded that it was decided to establish a 125-megawatt capacity mobile trailer power plant from EÜAŞ in the TRNC to meet the increasing electricity consumption demand, stating that 4 of these plants have already been installed and are operating, while the 5th one is in the transportation process and may go into operation this weekend. Vice President Yılmaz stated that they are ready to meet the additional needs expressed at the meeting, noting that so far, 5.26 million euros have been spent on these power increase operations, and the investment amount by EÜAŞ is 17.26 million euros.

“The Republic of Turkey stands together with the Turkish Cypriot people in joy and sorrow”

Yılmaz stated that the Republic of Turkey is always together with the Turkish Cypriot people in joy, sorrow, and pride, saying, “The relationship between our governments continues in a very efficient manner in this sense. Sometimes we see that there are those who try to harm our relations by diverting these issues in different directions under the guidance of foreign institutions. I sincerely believe that the people of the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC will not heed them.”

He noted that during today’s meeting, energy was discussed in its entirety, including production, consumption, and distribution, and said that establishing a connection between the two countries with a bidirectional cable could create an opportunity for the entire island, stating, “The rational, low-cost, and technically much more accurate integration of the island of Cyprus as a whole with Turkey, Europe, and the world is essential.”

Yılmaz mentioned that they are following the studies related to electricity via the cable, indicating that the project is a large-scale project and that it may take time to conclude, emphasizing their determination on this issue. He also stated that they discussed energy efficiency during the meeting, highlighting the approaches that could be developed for efficient energy use.

“Tatar displays a political stance that reflects the realities”

Touching on political issues, Yılmaz pointed out that President Ersin Tatar has displayed a correct, fair political stance that reflects the realities on the island, stating that Turkey fully supports Tatar’s stance, saying, “We have all seen that approaches that do not conform to the realities on the island have not produced a solution for years. We also know that there is no meaning in repeatedly trying approaches that have not produced a solution for years. If there is to be a solution, it must be one that recognizes the reality of two states on the island. There needs to be an approach that accepts the equality of both sides.”

No matter what anyone says, Yılmaz stated that the reason for the peace that has existed on the island for 50 years is the Peace Operation of 1974, saying, “Thank goodness that intervention was made that day. What kind of picture would we be facing today if it had not been done?” referring to the events in the Middle East. He expressed satisfaction with the developments in the Immovable Property Commission, emphasizing that they appreciate the steps taken by the TRNC in this regard and expressed confidence that it will find its place in international law.

“To support the formation of a more competitive economy”

Referring to the Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries, Yılmaz stated that the first resource transfer of the new package has been made, saying, “Our aim is to support the economic and social development of the TRNC. It is to contribute to the increase of the welfare level of the people. It is to support the formation of a more competitive economy with higher added value.”

Yılmaz noted that the TRNC has made significant progress in various sectors and will advance even further in the upcoming period, stating that new openings such as technological development, digitization, and artificial intelligence will provide responses to isolations. He expressed that he will continue to increase their doors to the world by meeting with Turkish states on common platforms.

“We say that the Century of Turkey is also the Century of the TRNC”

Speaking about the Medium-Term Program (MTP) announced in Turkey, Yılmaz said, “Considering the level of economic relations between us, I can easily express that this MTP will provide significant contributions to the stability of the Turkish Cypriot economy as well as the stability of Turkey. We will continue to grow in a stable environment where exchange rates are more stable, inflation is decreasing, risks are reduced, predictability is increasing, and uncertainties are diminishing. We say that the Century of Turkey is also the Century of the TRNC. Together, we will build a stronger future.”