Azerbaijan’s backing of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is clear, with President Ilham Aliyev extending an invitation to TRNC leader Ersin Tatar for the Organisation of Turkic States summit. This move signifies a strengthening commitment to Turkic unity, influencing regional diplomacy and international relations in a significant manner.
What is Azerbaijan’s stance towards the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?
Azerbaijan has shown a supportive stance towards the TRNC by inviting their leader to the Organisation of Turkic States summit, discussing observer status and potential full membership within OTS. This reflects a commitment to Turkic unity and has implications for regional diplomacy and international relations.
A Meeting of Mutual Interest
On a notable Friday evening, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, proclaimed a significant statement regarding Azerbaijan’s stance towards the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). His words came on the heels of a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in the historically rich town of Shusha. This was no ordinary gathering; it preceded a significant summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), where Aliyev had extended a personal invitation to Tatar as the ‘president of the TRNC’.
The discussions between Tatar and Aliyev were deemed “very positive and useful,” revolving around the progression of ties between the TRNC and Azerbaijan. Tatar emphasized the paramount importance of the TRNC’s inclusion in the OTS “family photo,” a symbolic representation of unity and recognition. Participation in the summit and meetings is not merely ceremonial; it’s a statement of affirmation and solidarity that Tatar treasures.
A Vision for Turkic Unity
The Turkish Cypriot leader harbors a conviction that the support from Azerbaijan would eventually resonate with other Turkic states. Such an outcome would not only solidify the TRNC’s presence on the world stage but also reinforce the ties of Turkic unity. This unity, according to Tatar, is poised to grow incrementally, further integrating the north into the broader Turkic association.
During the visit, the theme of hospitality was underscored by Tatar’s gratitude towards Azerbaijan for their warmth and welcome. The following day brought Tatar together with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, where they lauded the new financial protocol between Turkey and the TRNC, injecting €450 million into their collaborative endeavors.
The Summit and Beyond
The OTS summit was a bustling forum of discussion, covering crucial issues such as transport connectivity and climate action. Accompanied by Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the ‘foreign minister’ of the north, and a contingent of Turkish Cypriot diplomats, Tatar’s presence was not just ceremonial but a strategic step in furthering their collective goals.
Ertugruloglu, on the eve of the summit, was actively engaged with his counterparts from the OTS member states. This included meaningful encounters with foreign ministers such as Hungary’s Janos Boka and Kazakhstan’s Murat Nurtleu. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also vocalized his support for the TRNC, highlighting the importance of direct contacts between the north and the global community, and calling for enhanced commercial relationships.
Azerbaijan’s Support and International Dynamics
Tatar’s participation is a testament to Azerbaijan’s ongoing flirtation with recognizing the TRNC. Previously, Aliyev had spoken out about his country’s diplomatic efforts to secure observer status for the TRNC within the OTS. He also expressed support for upgrading this status to full membership, a move that has stirred reactions from other political figures, including Cyprus’ House President Annita Demetriou.
Demetriou articulated her intentions to challenge Azerbaijan’s approach, particularly regarding the establishment of an ‘inter-parliamentary’ group with the north’s ‘parliament.’ She outlined the necessity to muster all efforts to counteract such initiatives, branding them as unacceptable.
Azerbaijan’s firm stance on the TRNC represents a multifaceted approach to diplomacy and regional influence, carrying implications for international relations and the politics of recognition. The OTS summit in Shusha, therefore, serves not only as a platform for discussing practical regional issues but also as a spotlight on the evolving narrative of Turkic solidarity and its potential ripple effects across geopolitical landscapes.
What is Azerbaijan’s stance towards the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?
Azerbaijan has shown a supportive stance towards the TRNC by inviting their leader to the Organisation of Turkic States summit, discussing observer status and potential full membership within OTS. This reflects a commitment to Turkic unity and has implications for regional diplomacy and international relations.
What was the significance of the meeting between Ersin Tatar and President Ilham Aliyev in Shusha?
The meeting between Ersin Tatar and President Ilham Aliyev in Shusha was deemed “very positive and useful,” showcasing discussions on strengthening ties between the TRNC and Azerbaijan. Tatar emphasized the importance of TRNC’s inclusion in the OTS and their participation in the summit symbolizes unity and solidarity.
How does Ersin Tatar envision Turkic unity with Azerbaijan’s support?
Ersin Tatar believes that Azerbaijan’s support will resonate with other Turkic states, solidifying TRNC’s presence on the world stage and reinforcing Turkic unity. This unity is seen as a gradual process that will further integrate the TRNC into the broader Turkic association.
What implications does Azerbaijan’s support for the TRNC have on international relations?
Azerbaijan’s firm support for the TRNC, including discussions of observer status and potential full membership within the OTS, carries implications for international relations and regional diplomacy. This support has sparked reactions from various political figures, highlighting the evolving narrative of Turkic solidarity and its impact on the geopolitical landscape.
