TRNC Republic Day: Strengthening Bonds Between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Northern Cyprus

Islamabad - (Adnan Hameed) – The Embassy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Pakistan marked the 41st anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC with a vibrant reception in Islamabad. The event, hosted by Dilsad Senol, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, brought together dignitaries, diplomats, parliamentarians, and members of the press to celebrate this momentous occasion. Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister and Head of the Prime Minister’s Performance Delivery Unit, and Mohammad Aamir Khan, Director General of the Afghanistan, Iran, and Türkiye Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, were among the distinguished attendees. The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Pakistan, setting a tone of mutual respect and camaraderie. In her keynote address, Ambassador Senol highlighted the historical significance of the establishment of the TRNC, emphasizing the Turkish Cypriot people’s resilience and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their sovereignty and identity. She also underscored the pivotal role of Türkiye as a staunch supporter of the TRNC in ensuring peace and stability on the island. “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stands as a beacon of progress in democracy, economy, social equality, and human rights, with notable achievements in higher education and tourism,” said Ambassador Senol. She reiterated the TRNC’s commitment to international cooperation through organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organisation, and the Organisation of Turkic States. Addressing the ongoing Cyprus issue, Ambassador Senol called for the international community to acknowledge the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people and to end the decades-long injustices faced by the TRNC. She emphasized the need for a new vision that moves beyond the failed parameters of past negotiations. Ambassador Senol also cited President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, urging the global community to recognize the TRNC’s sovereignty and establish diplomatic, political, and economic ties with the Turkish Cypriot people. The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony, during which a traditional cake adorned with the flag of the TRNC was cut by Ambassador Senol, alongside Senator Talha Mehmood, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Mian Mehmood Honorary Consul General of Moldova, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin, the Ambassador of Türkiye Irfan Neziroglu, and other distinguished guests. The event concluded with a tribute to the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the TRNC and a reaffirmation of the strong bonds of friendship between Türkiye, Pakistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.