The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President, Mustafa Akinci (left), during a press conference, at the Presidential Palace, in northern Cyprus, yesterday.
North Nicosia: The President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Mustafa Akinci yesterday called upon the Islamic states for more cooperation with his country.
He was addressing a group of journalists from various countries at the Presidential Palace in TRNC. The Peninsula was the only newspaper invited from Qatar.
“We are aware of the limits of our brotherly countries. Therefore, I do not want to say something exceeding those limits. But there is much more they can do and cooperate with us. We can have mutual projects such as student exchange,” he said.
TRNC is an observing member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“Under that organization, we can have more bilateral cooperation with member countries,” said Akinci. He said that OIC and its member states should develop contacts and cooperation with the TRNC. “If it happens they pave way for further development,” he added.
Journalists have been invited for the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC. While, 50 years have passed since the ‘Cyprus Talks’ started to bring normalcy in the island.
“50 years have passed but unfortunately we could not find a solution yet. Are we going to succeed now on? Of course, many are in doubt,” said the President.
“Unfortunately, there are certain understandings remaining among the Greek Cypriots who are preventing to share power and wealth,” he added.
Referring to the 2018 Cyprus Gas Dispute which begun in February, Akinci said: “We would very much wish to see cooperation rather than tension. What is happening now is creating tension which is not good. We need stability, peace and prosperity for everyone in this region.”
While speaking at a separate press conference Kudret Ozersay, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of TRNC insisted on a federal model of solution with shared powers and wealth.
He also said that common interests such as exchange of criminals should be taken into consideration in negotiations with Greek Cypriots.
