Greek Cyprus and Greece's efforts to block TRNC recognition within OTS
When the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus(TRNC) joined the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an observer member last year, Greek Cyprus and Greece panicked.
When the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus(TRNC) joined the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an observer member last year, Greek Cyprus and Greece panicked.
Türkiye stepped in for the recognition of the TRNC, and especially the Turkic states came under close scrutiny. In the intervening period, the positive messages from Central Asia and the fact that the TRNC will take part in the Organization of Turkic States Summit in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, have reactivated the Greek Cypriot lobby.
For nearly a year, Greece and Cyprus established close relations with the Turkic states, increased the volume of trade, and ensured the flow of credit to Central Asia through Athens' international connections. However, the real goal of these moves was to block the TRNC's path to recognition.
'WE WILL NOT TURN OUR WAY'
TRNC President Ersin Tatar explained this insidious plan of the Greeks.
"We can attend high-level meetings as part of the Organization of Turkic States Summit and meet with our counterparts. However, this does not mean that we will be recognized, because other Turkic States have different relations and commitments with the Western world. We know that we have faced some obstacles in this regard and even lobbied not to be represented at high-level meetings. But we will continue to move forward decisively. Greek Cyprus and Greece traded with Turkish States to block our way. They threaten us as if to say 'if you develop your relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we will show the veto card, we will not realize projects with you, we will not open loans, we will impose an embargo'. We know very well that these things are being done. We are also aware that they are lobbying us not to attend some high-level meetings," President Tatar emphasized.
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was founded in 2009 as an intergovernmental body aimed at fostering broad cooperation among Turkic nations. The initial member states were Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. Uzbekistan became a full member in October 2019, while Hungary gained observer status in September 2018, followed by Turkmenistan in Nov. 2021. The 10th-anniversary summit is scheduled for Nov. 5 in Astana, where Kazakhstan will assume the chairmanship from Uzbekistan.
Türkiye holds the distinction of being the first country to recognize Kazakhstan, and their close relationship is deeply rooted in shared cultural and historical ties. Kazakhstan is a crucial economic and political partner for Türkiye in Central Asia, as Ankara actively seeks to enhance collaboration with Turkic nations in the region. In 2009, the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement and established a high-level strategic cooperation council.
Over time, trade between the two nations has grown, and Turkish investments, particularly in the construction sector, have flourished in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Kazakhstan has served as a venue for discussions on Syria, as both countries strive to find a peaceful resolution to the Syrian civil war.
Notably, Astana has recently hosted meetings between Turkish officials and representatives of the Assad regime to normalize relations.
Source: Newsroom
