President Erdoğan addresses journalists’ questions on return flight from TRNC
President Erdoğan stated, "We will not tolerate attempts that disturb the peace of the island, provoke sensitivities, or seek to incite unrest."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on recent developments while addressing journalists' questions on his return flight from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
President Erdoğan marked the completion of his one-day visit to the TRNC, noting the inauguration of the Republic Complex, which was constructed by Türkiye within three years, during his visit.
President Erdoğan remarked that the project they brought to the TRNC under the motto “Strong state, respectable future” consists of a Presidential building, two conference halls with a capacity of 600 people each, a reception hall for 400 guests, 52 offices, and a parking lot for 109 vehicles, all built on a 25,210-square-metre site.
Noting that the parliament building, constructed on a 20,000-square-metre area, houses the offices of the president and prime minister, a 157-seat general assembly hall, 25 offices for members of parliament, a meeting room for ministers, a 135-seat conference hall, and a library, President Erdoğan added, “A nation’s garden, with 290,000 square metres planned as green space, as well as a people's mosque with a capacity of 2,252, remain under construction. We have initiated the construction of the final phase of the complex, which includes the Supreme Court and the Nation's Library. Inshallah, both will also be commissioned soon. We are delighted to have delivered such a work to our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters, which befits the strength and dignity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I hope that the new complex will be auspicious."
Following the inauguration of the complex, President Erdoğan participated in the TEKNOFEST 2025 festival, held in the TRNC for the first time this year. Noting that approximately 50,000 young people from 22 countries, all passionate about technology, participated in competitions in key technology fields of the future, organised in six main categories and 13 subcategories, President Erdoğan congratulated all the young participants and wished them continued success.
President Erdoğan emphasised that the festival will serve as a pioneering step towards transforming the TRNC into a hub for education, science, and technology in the Mediterranean and open new horizons for the valuable youth of the Turkish Cypriot people and added, "During my visit, I first and foremost met with President Ersin Tatar, as well as my Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters and the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, which convened on the island. We continue to firmly support President Tatar's vision for a two-state solution."
"The Turkish Cypriot people will sooner or later secure the recognition of their equal international status"
President Erdoğan noted that they will continue to fulfil their responsibilities and remain constructive in numerous areas of cooperation expected to be initiated between the two neighbouring states on the island, as agreed upon at the informal meeting convened in a broader format under the United Nations in Geneva on March 17–18, and continued as follows:
"The Turkish Cypriot people, as an equal partner on the island, will sooner or later secure the recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status. The motherland Türkiye will always stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on this path and maintain its solidarity indefinitely. Our sincere desire is for a just, lasting, sustainable, and realistic solution. The developments in our region are also a reminder that it is time to accept this reality. It is time for everyone to acknowledge the fact that there are two nations and two states on the island. As the motherland and guarantor, our support for Turkish Cypriots and their independent state, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, remains unwavering. The Turkish Cypriot people, an integral part of the Turkic world, will, inshallah, eventually achieve the status they deserve with the support of our country. I hope that our visit and talks will yield auspicious outcomes."
President Erdoğan said that he had received the news of the passing of Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Sırrı Süreyya Önder during his visit, adding, "On this occasion, I wish Allah's mercy upon Mr. Önder and patience to his grieving family, loved ones, and constituents."
"Türkiye led by the TEKNOFEST youth will be far more advanced than it is today"
In response to the question, "TEKNOFEST was filled with an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm. Our Cyprus veterans were on the ground, saying, 'In 1974, we were carrying American weapons; now, thankfully, we have everything of our own.' Your dedication has also been effective in advancing the defence industry up to this point. How did you feel upon seeing the TEKNOFEST youth today?" President Erdoğan said, "TEKNOFEST is not merely a spectacle or an ordinary event. TEKNOFEST is the embodiment of a consciousness, a cause, and a climate of awareness." Stating that the powerful voice of the Anatolian youth has resonated here with the voice of the Turkish Cypriot youth, President Erdoğan said:
"As you know, in 1974, we did not have significant weaponry of our own. We landed on this island in 1974 to bring peace with the weapons provided to us by others. Today's Türkiye is far beyond the times of then. Türkiye has now become the shining star of the world with its unique designs and domestic manufacturing in the defence industry. In particular, our unmanned aerial vehicles, defence systems, and advancements in communications have reached a level that will virtually reshape the history of warfare. In this regard, we have made significant advancements compared to the past and keep pushing forward.
Let me put it very clearly and unambiguously: Türkiye led by the TEKNOFEST youth will be far more advanced than it is today. I can see that determination in the eyes of the children attending TEKNOFEST. You can see in these young people the resolve to say, 'I will do even better.' I have high hopes for the future generation in this regard. Mashallah, the TEKNOFEST youth, as I have stated numerous times, are coming forward fast and furious. You know, there is a saying, 'If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.' We have not hesitated to invest in youth across all sectors for this purpose. The coming generations, particularly the TEKNOFEST youth, will elevate the banner they inherit from us to unprecedented heights. I have great confidence and unwavering trust in them."
"We will not tolerate attempts that seek to incite unrest"
In response to the question, "The Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church has recently targeted the Turks on the island in a message. Meanwhile, there are indications suggesting that a new anti-Türkiye terrorist organisation is being formed in Southern Cyprus. Are they attempting to resurrect EOKA?", President Erdoğan stated, "Communities that fail to learn from history are fated to experience similar consequences repeatedly. I strongly condemn any statement that undermines the language of peace in Cyprus and endangers future generations.” President Erdoğan underlined that they have always done their part for peace and tranquility on the island and that they will continue to do so, adding:
"We have acted with the understanding that the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are synonymous with our own, and this will remain unchanged. We will not tolerate attempts that disturb the peace of the island, provoke sensitivities, or seek to incite unrest. Those who resort to terrorism or ignore the presence of Turkish Cypriots should be aware that they will confront a stronger Türkiye. Using constructive and inclusive language instead of rhetoric that exacerbates tensions would be more advantageous for the island's future. They need to pay attention to this. We will never tolerate a recurrence of previous suffering, and we are resolute on this issue. We will remain the staunchest supporters of the legitimate cause of the Turkish Cypriots. Türkiye is no longer the Türkiye of the past, nor is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus of the past, nor is the world what it once was. It is really beneficial for them to have a thorough understanding of these."
"Attack carried out is outright banditry and piracy"
Answering a question about the attack allegedly carried out by Israeli drones on a ship transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza in Malta with Turkish nationals aboard, President Erdoğan remarked, "Israel is the greatest threat to international law. They have made violating international law a habit. The entire world is aware that these ships were carrying humanitarian aid and operating in compliance with international maritime laws. Despite this, carrying out this attack is outright banditry and piracy." President Erdoğan stated that Israel, unable to defeat Palestinians with bombs and heavy weapons, is now attempting to subdue them by depriving them of food and medicine and added:
"Israel is using food, clean water, and medicine as weapons. They kill people, and the world remains silent; they execute massacres, and the world remains silent; they attack sovereign states, and the world remains silent; they kill personnel of international organisations and bomb their facilities, and the world remains silent; they commit genocide overtly, and the world remains silent. This 'spiral of silence' must stop at once. It should be understood that the world is bigger than Israel. It should live up to its grandeur and quench the fireball that is threatening to set the world ablaze. Otherwise, it will be too late, and those who remain mute on Israel today will be unable to account for this before history. Israel must not assume that its crimes will go unpunished. One day justice will prevail."
Concerning Israel's military operations in Syria, in response to the questions, "Are these attacks also aimed at Türkiye? Does it also want to intimidate Türkiye? Does it want to make a display of power in Syria? What is Israel's exact goal?", President Erdoğan remarked:
"Israel's actions endanger peace and tranquility. We are attentively monitoring what steps it is taking or planning to take regarding Türkiye. Why did we cease all of our trade relations with Israel? Because we are aware that my friend's enemy is likewise operating as our enemy. Currently, we cannot anticipate compassion from an Israel which is relentlessly bombarding innocents in Gaza, reducing the entire region to ruins. Israel thrives on blood and chaos. A climate of peace and tranquility is the last thing that Israel desires. The prospect of the Syrian people determining their future, the end of the years-long civil conflict in Syria, and the wind of unity and integrity have all caused disturbances in Israel."
President Erdoğan highlighted Israel's efforts to establish a new ground for conflict by provoking specific factions in Syria, adding, "Israel, which does not hesitate to ignite the region, is also deeply unsettled by Türkiye's influence and the gains it has secured in the region. The Syrian government is striving to restore peace, social harmony, and economic prosperity in the country following the revolution. Despite encountering challenges, they are exerting considerable effort." Recalling that all individuals who acted based on Israel's provocations in the past have met with disappointment, President Erdoğan stated, "Israel only thinks of itself. Everyone should make efforts to establish a new Syria founded on unity and territorial integrity. The Israeli provocation promises nothing but blood, tears, and death. A united and intact Syria is the key to a prosperous future. As we have constantly stated, we will not and do not allow our neighbour Syria to be drawn into a new era of conflict."
