― 9 мая 2025 г.
Working visit of TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General to the TRNC
On May 8th-9th, 2025, Mr. Sayit Yusuf, the Deputy Secretary General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), went on a working a visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to attend the opening ceremony of the 1st International Symposium on the Teaching of Turkish and hold a series of official meetings.
During his visit, Mr. Yusuf who met with the President of the TRNC Mr. Ersin Tatar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environmentof the TRNC Mr.Fikri Ataoğlu, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nicosia H. E. Mr. Ali Murat Başçeri also provided information about activities carried out by TURKSOY in the Turkic World and joint projects carried out within the framework of its bilateral cooperation with the TRNC.
While issues discussed in the meetings pertained to the role of the TRNC in the Turkic World and future opportunities regarding its cooperation with TURKSOY, President Ersin Tatar and relevant authorities emphasised that the TRNC is a cultural bridge to the Turkic World and underlined the role played by TURKSOY in this regard.
TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf held bilateral meetings
In bilateral meetings he held within the framework of his working visit to the TRNC, Deputy Secretary General said:
‘The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the cultural gateway of the Turkic World in the Eastern Mediterranean. TURKSOY always approaches the TRNC with special sensitivity. Every event we organise here does not only strengthen our cultural ties but also our unity of hearts. Supporting every effort made towards the integration of the TRNC with the Turkic World is a strategic priority for us.’
During the talks, it was further noted that activities carried out by TURKSOY in the TRNC to date have had a significant impact, particularly in the cultural sphere, and that the success of events such as the Opera Days of TURKSOY held on the island was highly commended. TRNC officials stated that TURKSOY's efforts have strengthened the TRNC's ties with the Turkic World and expressed their appreciation as to the Organisation.
Within the framework of his working visit to the TRNC, Deputy Secretary General Yusuf also attended the opening ceremony of the historic Selimiye Mosque, which was restored and reopened for worship on May 8th. The reopening of the Selimiye Mosque which is one of the important symbols of the TRNC, took place with the participation of the President of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan via teleconference.
The International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) will further continue to deepen its cultural cooperation with the TRNC in the coming period.
