TURKEY SUPPORTS NORTHERN CYPRUS

Ministry for European Union Affairs and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a Protocol to enhance mutual cooperation on issues concerning the European Union process. Cooperation Protocol was signed between Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Hüseyin Özgürgün in Ankara at the Ministry for European Union Affairs.

Under the framework of the Protocol, the two Ministries aim at sharing their experience and knowledge on the European Union accession process through staff exchange, common projects, study visits and educational programs.

During his speech he gave at the ceremony Bagis said: “This Protocol is the best indicator proving the close, pragmatic and active cooperation between Turkey and TRNC.” Bagis also stated that the Protocol renders the cooperation between the institutions more concrete.

Bagis declared that Turkey backed TRNC with all means, and added: “Cyprus issue is a national claim for us. Turkey will neither give up Cyprus for the EU, nor the EU for Cyprus. Because, we are right about both issues and our relevant claims support us. I believe that some political circles in Europe who cannot think logically have just started to notice the reality, this may be the beginning of an important new period.”

Source: AA