The ruling parties of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Turkey and Azerbaijan signed a co-operation agreement on Tuesday, which aims to develop political relations between the countries based on the principle of “three states, one nation”.
The signing ceremony was held in the TRNC capital Lefkos between representatives of the Azerbaijani New Azerbaijan Party, the Turkish Justice and Development Party (AK) and the TRNC National Unity Party (UBP).
Vice President and Chairman of the TRNC Parliament Zorlu Tore, Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arikli, Prime Minister Unal Üstel, Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoglu, other ministers, MPs and officials, as well as delegations of political parties from all three countries attended the ceremony.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Chairman Tahir Budagov on behalf of the New Azerbaijan Party, Chairman and Prime Minister Ustel on behalf of the UBP, Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala on behalf of the AK Party.
Ustel drew attention to the importance of the agreement reached between the parties:
Today, in accordance with the motto ‘Three states, one nation,’ the parties signed a historical, international and institutional agreement to further strengthen the bridges of love and take the cooperation between their countries to even higher levels. With these signatures, our ‘Three states, one nation’ discourse has now gained an international legal dimension.
Deputy Chairman of AK Ala Party congratulated TRNC on the 40th anniversary of its foundation and expressed satisfaction with the signing of the co-operation agreement.
He noted that the world needed co-operation and wished that the agreement they reached with the BSP and the New Azerbaijan Party would be an example for parties in the region. In his speech, he also condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza Strip. He said:
What remains under the ruins in Gaza are the feelings of humanity, justice and mercy. I condemn Israel’s attacks, massacres and killing of children. A cease-fire should be concluded in Gaza as soon as possible.
Budagov believes that with the support of Turkey and Azerbaijan, the TRNC has taken its place as an observer member in the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). He stressed that they will make the necessary efforts to make the TRNC more recognised in the international community.
Pointing out the importance of the TRNC continuing its journey with the support of the Republic of Turkey despite all obstacles, he said that he believes in the further development of relations between the TRNC and the Turkish world through the TDT.
