Türkiye, TRNC to finalize new economic deal by March, Yılmaz announces

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has declared that Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will complete negotiations on a new economic and financial cooperation framework by the end of March. Following talks with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in Ankara on Thursday, Yılmaz described the discussions as productive and emphasized Ankara's unwavering commitment to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Beyond Ordinary Bilateral Relations

"Our aim is clear. We want to carry the TRNC toward a more prosperous and stronger future," Yılmaz stated. He stressed that ties between Ankara and the TRNC transcend ordinary interstate relations, with Türkiye acting as a guarantor power. "Türkiye will continue to stand by the TRNC," he affirmed, noting the current cooperation protocol has been implemented effectively.

Two-State Reality, Sovereign Equality

Addressing the broader Cyprus question, Yılmaz insisted any viable solution must be grounded in "the realities of the island"—namely "two states and two peoples" and the principle of sovereign equality. "No matter what traps are set in our region, the realities of the region will render them ineffective," he added, signaling Ankara's firm rejection of frameworks excluding Turkish Cypriot political equality.

Response to Regional Arms Build-up

Prime Minister Üstel responded to a recent trilateral defense protocol signed between Greece, Israel, and the Greek Cypriot administration, characterizing the move as an arms race. He accused the three parties of showcasing new military acquisitions through media campaigns. "Whatever they do, we have no doubt that when the time comes, we will respond in the same manner and with the same determination," Üstel declared, underscoring that Turkish Cypriots are "not alone" and that the Republic of Türkiye stands with them as their motherland. He reiterated that any solution must reflect the island's existing reality of two separate peoples and states.