Turkey considers the development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), recognized only by Ankara, a national priority that is both political and economic, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Friday, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.
Yılmaz told reporters after meeting with KKTC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel that ending the north’s isolation and supporting its growth remain strategic goals. He cited Turkish-backed investments in infrastructure, education, tourism and technology. Projects include the Lefkoşa Ring Road, opened by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to ease traffic in the capital, as well as new hospitals in Lefkoşa and Pamuklu.
He said he would also attend Saturday’s launch of the KKTC’s e-government mobile app, describing it as “a major step” toward improving public services. Promotional campaigns for “Island Cyprus” tourism and the start of affordable flights were also highlighted.
Support for two-state vision
Yılmaz reaffirmed Turkey’s support for KKTC President Ersin Tatar’s push for a two-state solution in Cyprus, saying a lasting settlement must reflect “the reality of the island” and the sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots.
“Turkey will continue to stand firmly with the Turkish Cypriots, support President Tatar’s two-state vision and uphold the KKTC’s independent, peaceful and prosperous future,” Yılmaz said.
Üstel said Turkey’s backing in transportation, technology and healthcare has improved daily life, stressing that ties are rooted in a “shared history, culture and brotherhood.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey intervened following a coup backed by Greece. Turkish Cypriots later declared independence in 1983 as the KKTC, which remains internationally unrecognized except by Turkey.