Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Reaffirms Support for Northern Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has once again reiterated his unwavering support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Speaking after Monday’s Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdoğan reflected on his recent visit to the island’s northern region.

Recalling the visit with pride, Erdoğan highlighted the inauguration of the Republic Campus, which was completed in just three years. He also noted his participation in TEKNOFEST 2025, which was held in the TRNC for the very first time this year.

“We reaffirmed our unshakable support for the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC as both a homeland and a guarantor,” Erdoğan stated. “I hope the new Presidential and Parliamentary buildings—two symbolic structures of our Republic Campus—will bring lasting benefit. I extend my congratulations to all institutions, organizations, and companies involved in making this project a reality.”

The visit drew criticism from the European Parliament. Last week, MEPs voted to condemn Erdoğan’s trip to Northern Cyprus, passing a report with 367 votes in favor, 74 against, and 188 abstentions—including five of the six Cypriot MEPs. The TRNC President denounced the report as biased.

Responding to the criticism, the Turkish Cypriot leader stated that “President Erdoğan’s visit to the TRNC is a clear expression of the Turkish Cypriot people's will and their sovereign right over their homeland.”