The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it does not accept “at all linking progress in relations between Turkey and the European Union to the Cyprus issue.”

This came in a statement issued by the Ministry regarding the results of the European Union leaders’ summit on April 17 and 18 in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

The Ministry considered the decisions adopted regarding Turkey to be “a new example of the European Union’s lack of strategic vision regarding Turkey and global developments.”

It noted that the results of the summit stressed that establishing a relationship of cooperation and mutual benefit with Türkiye is a strategic interest of the European Union.

It said: “On the other hand, the failure to take concrete decisions regarding the recommendations contained in the joint report on relations between the European Union and Turkey prepared by the Vice-President of the European Commission, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and the European Commission is a major contradiction.”

It added: “Linking the Cyprus issue to progress in relations between Turkey and the European Union will never be acceptable to us, and the approach that limits the multifaceted relations between Turkey and the European Union to the Cyprus issue must be abandoned.”

It stressed that “such a mentality cannot make a positive and constructive contribution to resolving the Cyprus issue or other regional and global issues.”

It stressed that Turkey is still determined to join the European Union, adding: “However, we refuse to limit our cooperation to certain areas through a selective approach, and we will discuss our dialogue with the European Union within the framework of reciprocity according to the speed, level and scope of the Union’s steps towards Turkey in the coming period.” .

The European Union announced that it has a strategic interest in developing a mutually beneficial cooperation relationship with Turkey, and that it “attaches great importance” to the resumption of Cyprus negotiations in this context.

This came in the part related to relations with Turkey in the final statement of the European Union summit held on Wednesday in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

“The European Union has a strategic interest in developing a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and developing a mutually beneficial cooperation relationship with Turkey,” the statement stated.

It pointed out that “Turkey’s constructive participation will be useful in advancing the various areas of cooperation identified in the joint report submitted by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, with the European Union Commission in November 2023.”

The statement stressed, “Attributing great importance to the resumption and progress of the Cyprus negotiations, which could also lead to improving cooperation between the European Union and Turkey.”

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European Council President Charles Michel said that the European Union agreed to establish “positive and stable” relations with Turkey.

This came in statements to journalists on Wednesday at the conclusion of the sessions of the first day of the European Union summit held in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

Michel noted that European Union leaders wanted to hold a strategic discussion on relations with Turkey and that they reached a consensus at the end of the session.

He continued: “We want to establish positive relations with Turkey and develop stable relations. We want to work in a gradual and proportionate approach.”

Regarding Cyprus, Michel stressed that the situation on the island is very important.

He added: “We are particularly concerned with the situation in Cyprus, especially with regard to the solution path conducted by the United Nations.”

Since 1974, the island of Cyprus has been divided between two parts: the Turkish in the north and the Roman in the south. In 2004, the Greek Cypriots rejected a plan presented by the United Nations to unify the two parts of the island.

Since the collapse of the UN-sponsored Cyprus reunification talks in Switzerland in July 2017, no formal UN-brokered negotiations have taken place to settle the conflict on the island.​​​​​​

On Wednesday, the European Union announced in the final statement of the summit that it has a strategic interest in developing a stable and safe environment in the eastern Mediterranean and developing a mutually beneficial cooperation relationship with Turkey.

The statement stressed, “Attributing great importance to the resumption and progress of the Cyprus negotiations, which could also lead to improving cooperation between the European Union and Turkey.”

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country has never viewed its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary, and that there are no unsolvable problems with its neighbors.

This came in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini regarding relations between Ankara and Athens, ahead of an official visit he intends to make to Greece tomorrow, Thursday, December 7.

Erdogan referred to many outstanding issues between Turkey and Greece, stressing that the two countries are aware of this, but whether or not to allow these problems to raise tension between the two governments and the two peoples is also in the hands of the two countries.

He explained that in this context he recently spoke about “opening a new page” and the “win-win” principle in relations between Turkey and Greece.

He stressed that the “win-win” principle lies at the core of Turkey’s approach to international relations and diplomacy.

Erdogan stressed that addressing differences through dialogue and meeting on common ground will benefit everyone.

He pointed out that Turkey and Greece have recently gained good momentum regarding shaping their relations within the framework of this approach.

He added: “The channels of dialogue between us are open and operating at all levels, and our mutual visits are also intense. We have the desire to develop our cooperation in many important areas for our two countries and our region on the basis of mutual trust.”

He continued: “Now, it is the responsibility of both parties to strengthen this approach, institutionalize it, and advance it further.”

He expressed his belief that “Mr. (Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos) Mitsotakis also has the same will.”

Erdogan stated that this common intention will be clearly recorded thanks to the declaration on friendly relations and good neighborliness scheduled to be signed in Athens tomorrow, Thursday.

He stressed that Turkey has never viewed its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary. “We, like all countries, need friends, not enemies.”

Erdogan added: “I say it frequently; we believe that we do not have any insurmountable problems with our neighbors, especially Greece.”

He said: “I think what has changed recently is that the Greek side reconsidered its point of view towards us and began to understand that we are a people who never reject the hand of friendship extended to them.”

He stressed that Turkey never hesitates to respond to attempts to target the security of its people, the integrity of its territory, and its national interests, and at the same time it is open to enhancing cooperation and friendship.

He pointed out that Mitsotakis understood this matter and was able to see Turkey’s sincere desire to overcome existing problems and improve relations with Greece.

Erdogan explained that he was happy to observe a similar approach in Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

Erdogan added that there are many problems between the two countries in addition to the issue of the continental shelf, and that they must be viewed together in one package.

He stressed that addressing issues selectively, talking about some and leaving others is not a correct approach because they are all interconnected.

He continued: “We must not leave any problems behind when we resort to international justice, but above all we must speak about all our problems with courage and direct public opinion correctly.”

He said that if Greece offered a similar approach to Turkey, away from foreign interference, a good start could be made towards building a peaceful future for both countries.

Regarding cooperation in the field of energy, Erdogan stressed that there are opportunities and potentials for cooperation between the two countries in the Mediterranean, and that benefiting from them can contribute to the energy security of the countries of the region and the resolution of political issues.

He stressed that attempts to exploit the potential here politically will bring with it the risk of being unable to use the region’s potential energy resources.

The Turkish President added: “We believe that energy is an element of cooperation and common profit between all countries and societies, and we want to resolve differences through dialogue. We prefer cooperation and are ready for it.”

He continued: “For this reason, I had twice proposed organizing a comprehensive conference on the opportunities available in the eastern Mediterranean, but it is unfortunate that the European Union at the forefront has remained silent about this matter, and silence does not solve problems.”

He added: “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also proposed that the reserves be operated jointly and revenues be shared until a comprehensive solution is reached on the island, and we support this proposal.”

He said: “What prevents the establishment of cooperation between the two parts of the island at a time when other countries in the region are moving in this direction?”

He also pointed out that there are many issues on which the two countries can cooperate in the Aegean Sea, adding: “Everything for peace and prosperity for our peoples and future generations.”

He continued that the Turkish Republic, which was established on the foundations of tolerance and embracing other cultures, continues to this day to work with a system that protects endowment institutions and their rights and transfers them to the future, pointing out that the endowment that owns the Hagia Sophia Mosque still exists today.

Regarding illegal immigration, Erdogan pointed to the increase in the migration movement in the world for several reasons, most notably political instability, which has led to an increase in the spread of criminal networks that exploit this and achieve very high profits from illegal immigration.

He added: “I say it again that no country can combat illegal immigration alone,” noting that it is a common test for countries that requires joint efforts.

He stressed the need for the European Union to support Turkey in this regard, stressing that it is necessary to share burdens and responsibilities and take joint steps to prevent migration at its source.

He stressed that the fight against migration should not be limited to cooperation between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean Sea, but rather there is a need for a broad struggle that requires the participation of the entire international community.

We have become the voice of justice and conscience in international relations

President Erdogan pointed out that Turkey and Greece joined NATO together 71 years ago, pointing out that the criterion of being Western or European is not enough to join the European Union.

He explained that Turkey is a founding member of many international organizations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

He stressed that Turkey always stands on the side of justice and the voice of conscience in international relations, stressing that one of his country’s most prominent goals is to stand in the right place throughout history.

He added that Turkey’s standing by the Palestinian people who are being subjected to persecution and inhuman treatment, and its criticism of Israel for violating international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights, are considered a natural necessity for its goal (to stand in the right place throughout history).

He pointed out that some European countries have begun to take increasingly similar positions.

He stressed that “instead of discussing Turkey’s orientations and affiliation, we should discuss the fact that some Western countries sometimes ignore the values that they strongly defend.”

He continued, “The silence on the brutality in Gaza is the most prominent example of this. In fact, by opposing the genocide in Gaza, we are also defending the basic values of Western society.”

He added: “The basic rights of the people of Gaza of all ages are being violated. Where are the values of Western civilization in terms of silence about blatant human rights violations, ignoring people’s property rights, systematically confiscating their homes and lands, and depriving Palestinians of their right to determine their future?”

He added: “Is bombing hospitals, shooting schools, refugee camps, markets, and killing civilians consistent with Western values? Is it acceptable for the West to ask people in Gaza to ‘go south’ and drop bombs on those who go there?”

President Erdogan concluded by saying: “Now I ask: Is Turkey the one who belongs to the West or the Western countries that are deliberately silent about everything that is happening in Gaza?”

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Turkish Trade Minister Omer Polat stated that members of the Organization of Turkic States agreed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation and continue working on implementing new projects.

This came in a press statement following the 12th meeting of the ministers responsible for trade and economy in the Organization of Turkish States and the 14th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Working Group in Istanbul.

The Organization of Turkic States was established in 2009 and includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.​​​​​​

Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus all hold “observer member” status in the organization.

Ministers, representatives and members of delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Hungary, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkmenistan participated in the meeting.

Polat explained in his statement that the Organization of Turkish States has strong potential and that it decided to continue working to strengthen the foundations of the organization and create new projects in the fields of trade and economics to make it one of the leading organizations of the 21st century.

He added that the countries of the organization agreed to implement new generation tools to enhance economic and trade cooperation, such as signing the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement between member states.

He stressed that, given the increasing importance of trade in services and investments in the current century, the OIC countries are working to establish a free trade agreement in the field of services and investments.

He continued: “Today we have demonstrated our intention to begin negotiations on this agreement as soon as possible.”

He pointed out that member states agreed to increase mutual investments and support small and medium enterprises with the aim of increasing intra-regional trade.

He pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between member states of the organization last year amounted to about 33 billion dollars.

He stated that the goal is to raise the proportion of exports among OIC countries from 6 to 10 percent of total exports to countries of the world in the coming period.

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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday congratulated the Republic of Turkey on the occasion of Victory Day, corresponding to August 30 of each year.

The NATO Allied Land Command, Landcom, published a congratulatory message on the “X” platform, which it began in Turkish, saying, “Eid Mubarak.”

It added in English: “We thank Turkey for hosting the command headquarters. Turkey has participated in many NATO operations and maneuvers since its accession in 1952. Turkey and NATO are stronger and safer together.”

Today, Ankara commemorates the victory over the Allied forces and the invading Greek forces on August 30, 1922, which is considered a national holiday in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus.

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On Sunday, the Greek Cypriot administration appealed to the countries of the region to combat a fire that broke out again in a forest near the village of Alasa, Limassol district.

According to news circulating in the Romanian media, a fire broke out again in a forest near the village of Alasa, which broke out on Thursday and was extinguished.

Operations are continuing by land and air to extinguish the fire, which has expanded due to the wind and is now threatening nearby residential areas.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Limpiotis said that the Foreign Ministry had contacted Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and Greece to request help.

He pointed out that the 3 helicopters that Jordan sent to the region are actively participating in fighting the fire.

He stated that investigations are underway into the reasons for the renewed outbreak of the fire after it was extinguished.

It is noteworthy that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, mediated by the United Nations, after the outbreak of the fire on Friday, August 5, offered assistance to the administration of southern Greek Cyprus, which expressed its thanks to the Turkish side and indicated that there was no need for assistance because the fire had been extinguished.

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The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Arsin Tatar, stressed the need to end the isolation, blockade and restrictions imposed on his country, especially with regard to freedom of travel.

This came in a speech he made on Thursday during the opening ceremony of a new runway and passenger terminal at Arcan International Airport in northern Turkish Cyprus.

Tatar added that freedom of movement and travel is a basic human right.

He explained that the new runway and passenger terminal at Arcan International Airport were established under the instructions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Tatar thanked his Turkish counterpart and all parties that contributed to the establishment of the airport.

And he continued, “As a Turkish country located in the eastern Mediterranean, I would like to share this pride with our nation. The possession of the Republic of Northern Cyprus such an airport is a matter of pride for us.”

It is noteworthy that Arjan Airport was built on an area of 7,800,000 square meters, and with recent modifications, it has become suitable for the use of all types of passenger aircraft thanks to its new runway with a length of 3,100 meters.

It is noteworthy that many European countries impose isolation and siege on the Republic of Northern Cyprus to force it to yield and accept the dictates of the Roman side to solve the Cyprus crisis.

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The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated the 49th anniversary of the military “peace operation” that Turkey carried out in 1974 to save its brothers on the island of Cyprus.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus celebrates the “Day of Peace and Freedom”, which falls on July 20 of each year, the anniversary of the launch of the military “peace process” that Turkey carried out on the island in 1974.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a tweet attached to a video clip on its Twitter account, on the occasion of the anniversary of the military operation.

The Foreign Ministry said in the tweet: “On the 49th anniversary of the peace process in Cyprus, we remember with mercy our martyrs who fought for our national cause Cyprus and sacrificed their lives for the rights and freedoms of Turkish Cypriots, and we remember with respect the wounded heroes.”

It added, “We congratulate the Turkish Cypriots, who are an integral part of our nation, on the Day of Peace and Freedom.”

On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched the “peace process” on the island after it witnessed a military coup led by Nikos Sampson against Cypriot President Makarios III on July 15 of the same year.

The coup took place with the support of the ruling military junta in Greece, while the Greek armed groups targeted the Turkish population of the island.

The Turkish army launched a second military operation on August 14, 1974, and the two operations succeeded in achieving their goals, as a prisoner exchange agreement was concluded between the two sides on September 16 of the same year.

On February 13, 1975, the “Turkish Federal State of Cyprus” was established in the northern part of the island, and the late Rauf Denktash was elected president of the republic, which became known as the Turkish Republic of Cyprus.

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78 prominent international officials plan to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a new term on Saturday in the capital, Ankara, including 21 heads of state, 13 prime ministers and heads of international organizations.

President Erdogan will take the constitutional oath initially in the Turkish parliament at 14:00 (+3 GMT) to officially start his duties in the new state after receiving the inauguration document from the interim speaker of Parliament, Devlet Bahceli.

After his inauguration, Erdogan will visit the mausoleum of the founder of the republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at 15:00, and later at 17:00, he will go to the Presidential Complex to participate in the “start-up” ceremony.

Upon his arrival at the first gate of the compound, the President’s convoy will be joined by the Knights of Protocol unit, and then 101 artillery shells will be fired. At the same time, 101 artillery shells will be fired at the headquarters of the land, air and naval forces.

The Presidential Symphony Orchestra, the Turkish Traditional Music Ensemble and the Military Music Ensemble of the Turkish Armed Forces will participate in the ceremony.

Presidents of 21 countries will participate in the ceremony, including Azerbaijani Ilham Aliyev, Venezuelan Nicolas Maduro, Bulgarian Rumen Radev, Gabonese Ali Bongo Ondimba, Presidents of Guinea-Bissau Omar Sissoko Embalo, South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Montenegro Yakov Kilatovic, Kazakhstan Kassim Jumurd Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan Sadr Jabarov and Congolese Danis Sasso.

The ceremony will also be attended by the President of Kosovo, Fyoza Osmani, the President of Turkish Northern Cyprus, Arsene Tatar, North Macedonia, Stevo Pindarovski, Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirzoev and Rwanda Paul Kagame, as well as the Senegalese President Macky Sall, the Somali Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, the Togolese Faure Isuzimna, the Turkmenistan Serdar Berdi Mohamedov, the Bengali Muhammad Shihabuddin Tshobo and the Guinean Mamady Domboya. .

Prime ministers of 13 countries, including Pakistani Shahbaz Sharif, Hungarian Viktor Orban, Armenian Nicole Pashinyan and Libyan Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba, will participate in the ceremony.

The ceremony will also be attended by representatives of 8 international organizations, including the general secretaries of the “Turkish states” organizations, Gubanitch Bek Omar Aliyev, NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Ibrahim Taha.

Also participating in the ceremony are 12 countries at the level of Speakers of Parliament, including the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Ding Zhongli.

President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zelica Cvijanovic, Council members Zeljko Komsic and Denis Beserovic, and Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik will also participate.

Also among the participants will be former German President Christian Wolff, former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, former President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Dervis Eroglu, former member of the Presidential Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovic and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt.

President Erdogan will hold a dinner in honor of his guests at Çangaya Palace at 7:00 pm on Saturday.

President Erdogan is expected to announce the new cabinet after the dinner.

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Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop offered his condolences for the death of 49 Turkish Cypriots as a result of the earthquake that struck southern Turkey on February 6.

A statement issued by the Presidency of the Turkish Parliament, Thursday, stated that Şentop received the Speaker of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Zorlu Tora, and his accompanying delegation in the capital, Ankara.

Şentop expressed his sorrow over the death of Turkish Cypriot brothers as a result of the earthquake, offering his condolences to his Turkish Cypriot counterpart for the victims.

Şentop stressed that Turkey will take quick steps to heal the wounds caused by the disaster.

He said that permanent housing for earthquake-affected people is scheduled to be built quickly within one year.

For his part, Tora indicated that they had come to Turkey to offer their condolences to the earthquake victims.

Tura said: “We are together in fate, joy and sorrow. Turkey is like a mother to us, and we ask God not to leave anyone without a mother because Turkey is the greatest guarantee for the Turkish Cypriot people.”

He recalled that the Republic of Northern Cyprus is trying to support Turkey with all its might, adding: “Turkey is a leading country in the region, and I hope it will recover in a short time.”

On February 6, two earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, followed by thousands of violent aftershocks, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving huge material damage.

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