Turkish Minister Vedat Işıkhan’s Visit to Northern Cyprus Reinforces Commitment to Two-State Solution
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, has traveled to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for a series of programs and meetings.
During his visit, Minister Işıkhan met with Acting President and Speaker of the TRNC Parliament, Zorlu Töre. In his address, Işıkhan emphasized Turkey’s long-standing policy of advocating for the rights of Turkish Cypriots on all international platforms. He stated, “We strongly support the two-state solution vision put forth by TRNC President Ersin Tatar. Prior to any new negotiation process on the Cyprus issue, the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality and equal international status must be ensured.”
Minister Işıkhan also highlighted the imminent end of duty for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Holguin, noting that Turkey and TRNC agreed to the envoy’s appointment under the condition that the role would last no more than six months and be limited to exploring the possibility of new, official negotiations between the two sides on the island. Işıkhan expressed hopes for an impartial assessment from Holguin and reiterated that the international community should recognize TRNC, echoing sentiments from President Erdoğan’s last two addresses at the UN General Assembly.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s recent decision to unanimously establish a Friendship Group with TRNC in its National Assembly, Işıkhan expressed satisfaction, saying, “We believe that relations with Azerbaijan will continue to develop under the motto of ‘three states, one nation.’ Our primary goal is to secure the existence, freedom, and future of the Turkish Cypriot community and enhance their prosperity.” He also mentioned the signing of the 2024 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement on June 5 by the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.
Emphasizing Turkey’s unwavering support for TRNC, Minister Işıkhan noted the importance of sharing experiences and expertise in labor, employment, and social security. He later visited the monument of Dr. Fazıl Küçük with his delegation.
In his meeting with TRNC Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, Işıkhan discussed crucial topics such as employment, social security, and labor mobility.
During a visit to TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Işıkhan reaffirmed support for President Tatar’s two-state solution vision and stressed the importance of recognizing the sovereign equality and international status of Turkish Cypriots before commencing any new negotiation process. Efforts to initiate direct flights, trade, and contacts with Turkish Cypriots were also mentioned.
At the CASGEM Training and Certification Ceremony, Minister Işıkhan underscored the contributions of CASGEM in offering vital education and consultancy services in both national and international arenas. He shared insights about the “Project for the Development of CASGEM’s International Training and Experience Transfer Capacity” launched in 2018 and noted the recent three-day training program executed in collaboration with the TRNC Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Işıkhan congratulated the participants on completing the training successfully.
Expressing his satisfaction with the collaboration in the fields of labor, employment, and social security, Minister Işıkhan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to enhancing relations with TRNC and fostering stronger bilateral ties.