Deepening collaboration in security matters and digital administration between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is underway.
Strengthening Partnership: Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Enhance Cooperation
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey are deepening their collaboration in a variety of sectors, as evidenced by recent high-level meetings and events. On August 3, 2025, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met with TRNC President Ersin Tatar in Lefkoşa (Nicosia) to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.
During the meeting, Yılmaz emphasized the importance of managing earthquakes effectively, given that both countries lie in seismic zones. To this end, he attended the opening of the TRNC Earthquake Monitoring and Assessment Center, established with the support of Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The center offers monitoring, early warning, damage assessment, and crisis management capabilities.
Yılmaz also highlighted Turkey's ongoing support in various sectors, including education, health care, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. This support was evident at a police service vehicle handover ceremony, where 29 new vehicles—24 service vehicles and five fire trucks—were put into service for TRNC institutions. Twelve of these vehicles were funded under Turkey’s Financial Support Program.
In addition to the vehicle handover, Yılmaz provided 19 types of technical equipment, fingerprint scanners, mobile systems, IT infrastructure support, and uniforms for motorcycle police. A central unit has been established in the TRNC with Goç̧Net integration and six mobile migration vehicles, enhancing border security.
The strategic meetings between the two leaders also focused on regional developments, future economic cooperation, and advancing digital transformation in public services. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his July 2025 visit to the TRNC for the 51st anniversary commemorations of the Cyprus Peace Operation, reiterated Turkey’s political and economic support for the TRNC.
Erdogan underscored the importance of ending the isolation of the TRNC, advocating for diplomatic, political, and economic relations to be established internationally with the TRNC. During his visit, Erdogan also took part in the inauguration of major projects, notably the new Nicosia State Hospital and the Lefkoşa Northern Ring Road Bridge Junction.
The TRNC has gained representation within international Turkic and Islamic organizations, reflecting Turkey’s efforts to bolster the TRNC’s international presence despite opposition from Greek Cypriot authorities. These actions collectively demonstrate a comprehensive and proactive Turkish commitment to strengthening its partnership with the TRNC across sectors and governance levels.
TRNC President Ersin Tatar expressed gratitude for Turkey's steps to enhance the TRNC’s capacity and emphasized the value of the earthquake center for cooperation with the Greek Cypriot administration. Tatar also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness across all institutions.
In summary, recent cooperation steps include vehicle and equipment support for TRNC security and public services, the opening of key infrastructure and healthcare projects supported by Turkey, continued political backing for the TRNC’s sovereignty and international participation, and initiatives to formalize economic and financial cooperation agreements. These actions underscore a strong and multifaceted state of cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC.
- The discussion between the Turkish Vice President and TRNC President included the need for effective earthquake management, given their proximity to seismic zones, and the Turkish support in sectors like education, health care, and infrastructure.
- In addition to collaboration on earthquake preparedness, Turkey has also provided technical equipment, vehicle handovers, and IT infrastructure support for the TRNC's border security and motorcycle police.
- The leaders of both countries emphasized the importance of regional developments, future economic cooperation, and digital transformation in public services to enhance their collaboration.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports ending the isolation of the TRNC and advocates for international diplomatic, political, and economic relations with the TRNC.
- Apart from support in public services, Turkey is working to bolster the TRNC's international presence within Turkic and Islamic organizations, despite opposition from Greek Cypriot authorities.
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