Erdogan calls for recognition of Turkish Cypriots at Turkic States summit

Ahead of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has published an article titled 'The Century of the Turkic World: From Solidarity to Integration'. In his statement, Erdogan explicitly calls for the recognition of the 'sovereign equality' of Turkish Cypriots and the elevation of the status of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Erdogan describes Turkish Cypriots as an integral part of the Turkic world and emphasizes Ankara's commitment to strengthening ties between the breakaway region and other member states. He advocates for ending what he terms the 'unjust isolation' of the territory and insists on the acceptance of an 'equal international status' for the Turkish Cypriot community. The Turkish president highlights the potential benefits of the observer status currently held by the region within the OTS.

The summit is presented by the Turkish leadership as a historic turning point for deepening unity among member nations. Erdogan argues that this unity is rooted in mutual respect for the sovereignty and national will of each state, framing these developments as essential during a period of ongoing international instability and crisis.