The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) celebrated its 41st anniversary with a reception hosted in London by the TRNC’s Representative Çimen Keskin. The event brought together Turkey’s Ambassador to the UK, Osman Koray Ertaş, members of the UK Parliament, and representatives of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot communities, alongside a diverse group of guests.

Credit bytv

Keskin Highlights the TRNC’s Legacy

In her address, Keskin described the TRNC as “the most valuable achievement of the courageous Turkish Cypriot people, who have fought for existence, freedom, sovereignty, and rights over the years.” She noted that decades of negotiations regarding Cyprus had failed due to the uncompromising stance of the Greek Cypriot side.

TRNC’s Representative Çimen Keskin | Credit bytv

“A fair and sustainable resolution for Cyprus is only possible with a vision that recognizes the realities on the ground,” Keskin said, emphasizing the importance of the two-state solution that acknowledges the TRNC’s sovereign equality and international status.

She urged the UK, as a key international actor with historical ties to Cyprus, to adopt an approach aligned with the island’s realities and to take concrete steps toward equality for Turkish Cypriots. Keskin also encouraged the Turkish Cypriot diaspora in the UK to actively contribute to advancing the TRNC’s international standing.

Ambassador and MP Echo Support

Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, praised the vibrant Turkish Cypriot community in the UK, which numbers over 300,000. “We are proud of the community’s achievements and its support for the TRNC’s prosperity over the past four decades,” he said.

Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş Credit bytv

UK Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell also spoke at the event, calling for unity and mutual respect among all sides in Cyprus. “There’s one island, and everyone is Cypriot. We must work together,” he said, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the island’s long-standing divisions.

UK Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell Credit bytv