TRNC foreign minister says Turkish army presence vital for Cyprus

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu on Thursday emphasized the vital importance of the Turkish army's presence on the island during talks with the visiting Turkish Land Forces commander in Lefkosa. The meeting focused on security cooperation as General Metin Tokel conducted inspections of the Turkish Cypriot Peacekeeping Forces Command.

Essential military guarantee

During the discussions, Ertugruloglu stated that the Turkish Armed Forces serve as the primary guarantee for stability in the region. "The existence of Turkish army in Cyprus has a critical importance," he said, noting that the military plays a decisive role in protecting local populations amid ongoing regional tensions.

Ertugruloglu further stressed the military's essential function in preserving the future of the Turkish Cypriot people. "The existence of the Turkish army on the island is the strongest guarantee of Turkish Cypriots' peace, existence, security and feature," he added, highlighting that the presence ensures long-term stability for the community.

Operational readiness

General Tokel's visit included detailed briefings on the operational readiness of the peacekeeping forces stationed throughout the TRNC. The commander reviewed current deployments and received updates on the security situation from local military officials.

The Turkish military has maintained a continuous presence in Cyprus since 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriot rights and ensure regional stability, according to defense officials. This long-standing deployment remains a cornerstone of security policy for the Turkish Cypriot administration in Lefkosa.