foreign relations of Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, a country which facilitates many of its contacts with the international community. After it was occupied by Turkey, Northern Cyprus' relations with the rest of the world were further complicated by a series of United Nations resolutions which declared its independence legally invalid. A 2004 UN Referendum on settling the Cyprus dispute was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots but rejected by the Greek Cypriots. After that, the European Union declared its intentions to assist in reducing the economic isolation of Northern Cyprus and began giving aid to the territory. However, due to pressure from Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, this aid coming from EU funds cannot be used on Greek Cypriot land and property nor on public bodies. As a result, these funds can be used only on 29 percent of people on the island of Cyprus (those under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus).{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/36718092 |author=Nathalie Tocci |author-link=Nathalie Tocci |title=The Cyprus Stalemate: What next?|journal=International Crisis Group Europe Report, No. 171 |date=January 2006 }}

There is an embargo against the entity in many areas, decisively affecting its attempts at international contacts and representation.{{cite journal|last1=Günçavdi|first1=Ömer|last2=Küçük|first2=Suat|title=Economic Growth Under Embargoes in North Cyprus: An Input-Output Analysis|journal=Turkish Studies|date=2009|volume=10|issue=3|pages=365–392|doi=10.1080/14683840903141699|s2cid=30848722|url=https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/9621/1/MPRA_paper_9621.pdf}}{{cite journal|last1=Talmon|first1=Stefan|title=The Cyprus Question before the European Court of Justice|journal=European Journal of International Law|date=2001|volume=12|issue=4|pages=727–750|doi=10.1093/ejil/12.4.727|doi-access=free}}{{cite news|title=The thorn in Europe's side|url=http://www.economist.com/node/939237?zid=309&ah=80dcf288b8561b012f603b9fd9577f0e|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=25 July 2015|date=2002-01-16}}

International recognition

Turkey is the only country which recognises Northern Cyprus.

In 1983, both Bangladesh and Pakistan withdrew recognition after UNSC Resolution 541 amid international pressure.{{cite web|url=http://world-history.nmhblogs.org/2013/04/07/northern-cypruss-twin-brother-taiwan/|title=Northern Cyprus's Twin Brother – Taiwan « Humanities II – World History|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224164109/http://world-history.nmhblogs.org/2013/04/07/northern-cypruss-twin-brother-taiwan/|archive-date=24 December 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.commentarymagazine.com/michael-rubin/is-now-the-time-for-a-cyprus-deal/|title=Is Now the Time for a Cyprus Deal?|work=Commentary Magazine|date=7 July 2014|access-date=3 September 2020}}

In 2005, Yahya Jammeh, then President of the Gambia, said that his country was ready to recognise the independence of Northern Cyprus. The Cypriot government protested and The Gambia did not recognise the TRNC.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FFWOSdoB4i4C&pg=PA124|title=Military Cooperation in Multinational Peace Operations: Managing Cultural Diversity and Crisis Response|first1=Joseph|last1=Soeters|first2=Philippe|last2=Manigart|date=4 December 2009|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781134065004}}

The Nakhichivan Autonomous Republic (an exclave of Azerbaijan) had issued a resolution in the mid-1990s recognising the TRNC's independence, but Azerbaijan itself has yet refrained to officially support this decision due to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Azerbaijan is sympathetic to the TRNC, but the Republic of Cyprus could recognise Nagorno-Karabakh if Azerbaijan officially recognised the TRNC.{{cite web|url=http://www.regnum.ru/english/708006.html|title=Europe, the US, Turkey and Azerbaijan recognise the "unrecognised" Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus|access-date=20 February 2015|website=regnum.ru|archive-date=13 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213022330/http://www.regnum.ru/english/708006.html}}{{better source needed|date=November 2021}} Lately high level contacts between Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus have increased. Faiz Sucuoğlu, TRNC's Prime Minister at the time expressed his hope in 2022 that Azerbaijan would recognise his country.{{cite web | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/northern-cyprus-expects-to-be-officially-recognized-by-azerbaijan-premier/2473550 | title=Northern Cyprus expects to be officially recognized by Azerbaijan: Premier }}

TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu made a call to the members of OIC on 23 September 2022, at a coordination meeting of the Organization's ministers of foreign affairs, at New York, to recognize his country,{{cite web | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkish-cyprus-calls-on-oic-members-to-formally-recognize-country | title=Turkish Cyprus calls on OIC members to formally recognize country | website=Daily Sabah | date=23 September 2022 }} only a couple of days after a similar call by the President of Turkey to the international community at the 77th UNGA.{{cite web | url=https://lgcnews.com/president-erdogan-calls-for-recognition-of-trnc/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922064751/https://lgcnews.com/president-erdogan-calls-for-recognition-of-trnc/ | url-status=usurped | archive-date=22 September 2022 | title=North Cyprus News | President Erdoğan Calls for Recognition of TRNC | date=21 September 2022 }}

Northern Cyprus is recognised by the Commonwealth of Nations as a part of the Republic of Cyprus, not as an independent country.

In July 2024, at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States the Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev congratulated the President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar for the 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and mentioned that the participation in the Turkic summit is a crucial step towards the recognition of Northern Cyprus.{{cite web|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/northern-cyprus-participation-in-turkic-summit-crucial-to-its-recognition-aliyev-198685|title=Cyprus' participation in Turkic summit crucial to its recognition: Aliyev|date=21 July 2024|access-date=21 July 2024|archive-date=21 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721095557/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/northern-cyprus-participation-in-turkic-summit-crucial-to-its-recognition-aliyev-198685}}

Diplomatic representations

Image:Northern Cypriot Office London 20060615.jpg.]]

Since the establishment of the TRNC in 1983, only Turkey maintains a resident embassy in Northern Cyprus, and opened a Consulate General in Famagusta in mid January 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/turkiyenin-gazimagusa-baskonsoloslugu-hizmet-vermeye-basladi/2789074 | title=Türkiye'nin Gazimağusa Başkonsolosluğu hizmet vermeye başladı }} The TRNC has an embassy in Ankara and consulates in several major cities of Turkey.

In various other countries, the TRNC has representative offices, some of which are unofficial. Turkey represents the TRNC's interests in countries without such offices. In North Nicosia (the Turkish Cypriot-administered northern half), both the British High Commissioner to Cyprus and the United States Ambassador to Cyprus have their formal residences, though since these residences had been in use since before 1963, it is not indicative of formal recognition of the TRNC by the United Kingdom or United States. In the same situation are the representative offices maintained by Australia, France, Germany, South Korea.

In May 2015, the EU Infopoint office that aims to bring the Turkish Cypriots closer to the EU, has been inaugurated in North Nicosia.{{Cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2015/05/07/eu-infopoint-office-opens-in-north/|title=EU Infopoint office opens in north |website= cyprus-mail.com}}

Honorary Representatives are also appointed by the TRNC in various other cities to represent the TRNC and to assist the primary TRNC Representative Offices.

United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, France, Switzerland and Australia have representation offices in Northern Nicosia. As well, Northern Cyprus has a number of representations in other countries with various status.

Foreign minister

The current Foreign Minister is Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu. He is holding this position for the fourth time, since 1983.{{cite web | url=https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/the-minister/biography-2/ | title=Biography | Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus | date=24 February 2022 }}

Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu.jpg|Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu

Bilateral relations

=Azerbaijan=

File:Azerbaijan - Northern Cyprus Locator.svg

On 9 August 2022, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan met with TRNC President Ersin Tatar in Konya and regarded Northern Cyprus officially as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".{{cite news| url=https://president.az/en/articles/view/56877 |work=President of Azerbaijan |location=Baku |title=Ilham Aliyev received President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Konya |first=Gill |last=Charlton |date=9 August 2022 |access-date=24 August 2022}} Ersin Tatar also visited Azerbaijan on 13-14 October 2023 and met with Aliyev again.{{cite web | url=https://kktcb.org/en/president-tatar-visits-the-mausoleum-of-heydar-aliyev-national-leader-11585 | title=Presidency of TRNC - President Tatar visits the Mausoleum of Heydar Aliyev, National Leader of the Republic of Azerbaijan }}{{cite web | url=https://president.az/en/articles/view/61573 | title=Ilham Aliyev received President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar » Official web-site of President of Azerbaijan Republic }}

=Burkina Faso=

On 27 September 2024, Foreign minister of Northern Cyprus, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and Foreign minister of Burkina Faso, Karamako Jean-Marie Traoré, met during margins of the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.[https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRIS_HABERLERI/n534839-tahsin-ertugruloglu-burkina-fasolu-mevkidasini-kibristaki-gelismeler-hakkinda-bilgilendirdi Kibris Postasi 27 Sep 2024] Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu informed his Burkina Faso counterpart about the developments in Cyprus.

=Republic of Cyprus=

After the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the European Union, the southern part of the island became part of the Customs Union of the EU. The Northern part of the island is excluded from the Customs Union. In spite of that, the Green Line regulations are intended to ease trade relations between Northern Cyprus and the EU.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Oil exploration in East Mediterranean became a problem between the administrations of the north and the south side since 2000.

=Equatorial Guinea=

In 2011 and 2012, the then President of Northern Cyprus Derviş Eroğlu and President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held meetings in New York, US.[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/62385 Kibris Postasi 21 Sep 2011] President Dervis Eroglu met with the president of Equatorial Guinea[http://www.kibristime.com/kibris/eroglunun-newyork-temaslari-suruyor-h5174.html Kibris Time 25 Sep 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313214439/http://www.kibristime.com/kibris/eroglunun-newyork-temaslari-suruyor-h5174.html |date=13 March 2017 }} Eroglu's New York meetings are continuing.

=France=

In 2023, the president of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, strongly protested France's naval base in the southern part of the island of Cyprus{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-base-in-southern-cyprus-us-armament-clear-violations-of-cyprus-founding-agreements-northern-cyprus-president/2923967 |author=Mehmet Kemal Ferik|title=French base in Southern Cyprus, US armament 'clear violations of Cyprus' founding agreements': Northern Cyprus president|date=16 June 2023 |access-date=19 September 2023}} which Northern Cyprus considers illegal.{{cite news |url=https://commentcentral.co.uk/weak-british-diplomacy-is-helping-russia-secure-mediterranean-power |author=Chet Ramadan|title=Weak British diplomacy helps Russia in the Med|date=1 September 2023 |access-date=19 September 2023}}"...This includes new French military bases being established. This is an extremely concerning development as it is a clear violation of the 1960 agreements between Cyprus, Turkey, the UK and Greece."

=The Gambia=

In 2022, the President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, received the Vice President of The Gambia, Badara Alieu Joof, who invited President Tatar to The Gambia.[https://kktcb.org/en/president-ersin-tatar-receives-vice-president-of-the-republic-of-10484 Presidency of Northern Cyprus 30.11.2022] President Ersin Tatar receives Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia Badara Alieu Joof, who invites President Tatar to The Gambia: "Cooperation between the two countries should be developed in the fields of international relations, tourism and culture as well as education."

=Germany=

Although Germany does not maintain official relations with Northern Cyprus, it has wide-ranging contact with representatives of the Turkish Cypriots.

{{cite web|url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/zypern-node/cyprus/223540|title=Germany and Cyprus: Bilateral relations|publisher=Federal Foreign Office|access-date=6 August 2023}}

=Greece=

In 2014, the-then Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Özersay and his delegation was received by the Secretary General of the Greek Foreign Ministry, Anastasios Mitsialis.[http://www.kpdailynews.com/print.php?news=258 Kibris Postasi 28.02.2014] Is the psychological wall down?{{Cite web|url=http://www.hri.org/news/cyprus/tcpr/2014/14-02-28.tcpr|title=Hellenic Resources Network 28.02.2014}}

=Guinea=

In 2008, the minister of Economy, Finance and Planning of Guinea, Ousmane Doré, visited Northern Cyprus and met with Turgay Avcı, the then minister of Foreign Affairs of Northern Cyprus.[https://archive.today/20130418161715/http://arama.hurriyet.com.tr/arsivnews.aspx?id=8640660 Hurriyet 2008] Dore, the minister of Economy of Guinea, is in Northern Cyprus to meet with Turgay Avci, the minister of Foreign Affairs.[http://www.turkajansikibris.net/print.php?news=89013 Turk Ajansi Kibris] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313214242/http://www.turkajansikibris.net/print.php?news=89013 |date=13 March 2017 }} The minister of Economy of Guinea is in Northern Cyprus.

=Kosovo=

On 18 February 2008, the President of the TRNC, Mehmet Ali Talat, congratulated the people of Kosovo on their new-found independence, in opposition to the Republic of Cyprus, which has not recognised Kosovo as an independent state. However, presidential spokesman Hasan Ercakica stated that the TRNC was not preparing to officially recognise Kosovo.{{cite news|url=http://www.hri.org/news/cyprus/tcpr/2008/08-02-20.tcpr.html#01|title=Ercakica on the recognition of Kosovos independence|publisher=Anatolia News Agency|date=19 February 2008|access-date=21 February 2008}} In contrast, the Republic of Cyprus has rejected Kosovo's declaration of independence and, given the ICJ ruling that Kosovo's declaration of independence was not illegal, stating that Kosovo and Northern Cyprus were not analogous situations.{{cite news |url=http://www.cyprusnewsreport.com/?q=node/352 |author=Sarah Fenwick |title=No Right To Self-Determination for Minorities – Cyprus |publisher=cyprusnewsreport.com |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-date=20 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420220252/http://www.cyprusnewsreport.com/?q=node%2F352 |url-status=dead }}

=Kyrgyzstan=

In 2008 Kyrgyzstan earthquake, Northern Cyprus helped Kyrgyzstan and granted tents, blankets, tons of food, construction materials (cement, covering slate, timber and bricks), power generators, wood stoves, and warm clothes.[http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/08/MDRKG004du1.pdf International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies] Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) Operation Update In 2016, a common Turkish Cypriot–Kyrgyz business cooperation forum was held in Kyrgyzstan.[http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/cyprus-turkish-kyrgyz-business-cooperation-forum/ MFA, TRNC] Cyprus Turkish – Kyrgyz Business Cooperation Forum

=Libya=

On 30 October 2011, Libya and Northern Cyprus signed the Cooperation on Health Services Protocol. The protocol included to reserve 250 beds at the Near East University hospital in North Nicosia for the treatment of injured Libyans.{{cite web|url=http://old.neu.edu.tr/en/node/4338|title=Libyan Health Minister and NEU Rector signed Protocol for the Injured People in Libya|publisher=Near East University, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus|date=31 October 2011|access-date=31 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203124057/http://old.neu.edu.tr/en/node/4338|archive-date=3 February 2018}}[http://www.turizmhaberleri.com/haberayrinti.asp?ID=21538 turizmhaberleri 03 November 2011] Health Services Agreement was signed between Northern Cyprus and Libya[http://www.ntv.com.tr/dunya/libya-kktcyi-fiilen-tanidi,X1TtbP-kMkSdvdpuryPe0Q NTV 31 October 2011] Libya de facto recognised Northern Cyprus

=Malaysia=

On 5 August 2023, Malaysia allowed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to open a trade office in Malaysia.{{cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkish-president-erdogan-malaysias-premier-discuss-bilateral-ties-in-video-call/2961981 |title=Turkish President Erdogan, Malaysia's premier discuss bilateral ties in video call|publisher=AA|access-date=5 August 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://luminews.my/news/1481070 |title=Erdogan, Anwar discuss Turkey-Malaysia bilateral ties in video call|publisher=luminews|access-date=5 August 2023}}

=Pakistan=

In February 2017, the president of Northern Cyprus, Mustafa Akıncı was received by the President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain.[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/cumhurbaskani-mustafa-akinci-islamabadda-devlet-baskanlari-o Kibris Postasi 28.02.2017] President Mustafa Akinci participated to the dinner of presidents in Islamabad

On 4 August 2023, the signing of a memorandum of understanding on higher education was agreed between Northern Cyprus and Pakistan.{{cite web |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/08/05/mou-on-higher-education-agreed-between-north-and-pakistan |title=MoU on higher education agreed between north and Pakistan|date=5 August 2023 |publisher=Cyprus Mail |access-date=5 August 2023}}

On 8 November 2023, the President of TRNC, Ersin Tatar met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in Tashkent, during the XVI. ECO Summit.{{cite web | url=https://kktcb.org/tr/cumhurbaskani-ersin-tatar-ozbekistanda-pakistan-basbakani-anvarul-hak-kakar-ile-11684 | title=KKTC Cumhurbaşkanlığı - Cumhurbaşkanı Ersin Tatar, Özbekistan'da, Pakistan Başbakanı Anvarul Hak Kakar ile görüştü }}

=Russia=

In February 2008, Vladimir V. Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, equated the Northern Cyprus situation with that resulting from a unilateral Kosovo declaration of independence, which he opposes, in order to point out European countries' double standards in their desire to recognize Kosovo region as an independent state.{{cite web|url=http://edc.tsu.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=28|title=edc.tsu.ru - Daily Review of Russian Press Reports on Kosovo|author=webposter|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024021941/http://edc.tsu.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=28|url-status=dead}}

On 2 September 2008, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey announced that if Turkey recognized the Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Russia would recognize the TRNC as an independent country.{{cite news|url=http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/print_this_story.asp?smenu=69&sdetail=5041|title=Ambassador:Russia shall recognize the TRNC right after Turkey recognizes South Ossetia|work=Famagusta Gazette|date=2 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710224006/http://famagusta-gazette.com/print_this_story.asp?smenu=69&sdetail=5041|archive-date=10 July 2011}} Later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected this variant.{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Russia_Rejects_TradeOff_With_Turkey_On_Recognition_Of_Separatists/1844751.html|title=Russia Rejects Trade-Off With Turkey on Recognition of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Northern Cyprus |date=7 October 2009}}

In September 2023, Russia started consular services in Northern Cyprus.{{cite web|url=https://www.gerceknews.com/diplomacy/russia-launches-consular-services-in-northern-cyprus-amid-diplomatic-tensions-221845h|title=Russia launches consular services in Northern Cyprus amid diplomatic tensions|author=|date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1679251|title=INTERVIEW: Turkish Cypriot leader says he doesn't see EU as honest broker|author=|access-date=29 September 2023}} The Russian Embassy has started providing consular services for the Russian citizens in Northern Cyprus. What would be your reaction to that? Tatar (President of Northern Cyprus): It is estimated that there are thousands of Russian citizens and Russian-speaking community in the TRNC and naturally these people need consular services. Therefore, looking from the humanitarian consideration, this decision is long overdue. Countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Australia have also been providing consular services over many years at TRNC. Thus, this was a necessary and beneficial step for the Russian citizens living in TRNC.

=Turkey=

File:Turkey-Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Flags in Ankara (Турска-Северни Кипар).jpg in Ankara.]]

The TRNC fully supports Turkey's bid to join the European Union. As part of this bid, Turkey signed a protocol extending its customs union to the new EU members, including the Republic of Cyprus, which Turkey does not recognise.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} Turkey made sure this was not tantamount to recognition with the inclusion of a declaration, stipulating their continued policy of non-recognition of what they describe as the "Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus" until a settlement is reached. This declaration is not accepted by the EU which did not accept this statement as forming part of the acquis and expects Turkey to fully abide to its obligations against the Republic of Cyprus. The TRNC views any move by the EU to force Turkish recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as an effort to cut them off from their base of support.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bic-rhr.com/research/cyprus-gas-dispute-turkish-obstinance-and-european-passivity|title = Cyprus Gas Dispute: Turkish Obstinance and European Passivity | BIC-RHR}}

On 21 September 2011, Turkey and Northern Cyprus signed the EEZ border agreement in New York.[http://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2012/07/20120712-3.htm Official Gazette] 12 July 2012[http://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2012/10/20121010-3-1.pdf Official Gazette] EEZ Border (Page 4)

=United Kingdom=

The UK maintains a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot community, although still does not recognize Northern Cyprus.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2020/37.html&query=(%22Northern+Cyprus%22)|title=Local Authority B vs. X (mother) and V (father) and T (by his Children's Guardian)|newspaper=England and Wales Family Court Decisions (High Court Judges)|date=6 May 2020|location=London}}Paragraph 10.

On 3 February 2017, UK's High Court ruled that "There was no duty in UK law upon the Government to refrain from recognising Northern Cyprus. The United Nations itself works with Northern Cyprus law enforcement agencies and facilitates co-operation between the two parts of the island."{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/03/criminals-fleeing-british-justice-can-no-longer-use-cyprus-safe/|title=Criminals fleeing British justice can no longer use Cyprus as a safe haven, judges rule, in landmark decision|first=Telegraph|last=Reporters|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=3 February 2017|location=London}} Turkish Cypriot governmental officials declared that Northern Cyprus must be ready to Brexit since EU acquis will not be binding on UK thereby UK and Northern Cyprus can trade just as pre-1994 ECtHR ruling.

=United States=

The United States abstained in a vote in 1984 in the UN Security Council condemning "secessionist activities" on Cyprus.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8wsblnVAtF4C|title=Mediating in Cyprus: The Cypriot Communities and the United Nations|first=Oliver P.|last=Richmond|date=3 April 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136319440}} A Northern Cyprus Representative Office is located in Washington, D.C. The Representative Office in New York City is the de facto mission of the TRNC to the United Nations Organisation (as well as a de facto Consulate-General).

On 9 October 2014, the USA's Federal Court stated that "the TRNC purportedly operates as a democratic republic with a president, prime minister, legislature and judiciary".[https://www.courthousenews.com/property-spat-over-turk-controlled-cyprus-fails/ Courthouse News Center 13.10.2014] Property Spat Over Turk-Controlled Cyprus Fails[http://dockets.justia.com/docket/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1:2009cv01967/139002 USA's Federal Court] Michali Toumazou, Nicolas Kantzilaris and Maroulla Tompazou versus Republic of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus[https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1:2009cv01967/139002/53 USA's Federal Court] Toumazou et al v. Republic of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

On 28 September 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Northern Cyprus, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu had meetings with members of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Congressman Peter Sessions and Congressman Steve Chabot, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/foreign-minister-ertugruloglu-continuous-his-contacts-in-washington|title=Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu continuous his contacts in Washington|work=The MFA of Northern Cyprus |date=September 2021|access-date=August 4, 2023}}

On 3 August 2023, US Congressman and former chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Pete Sessions, visited Northern Cyprus. Sessions met with President Ersin Tatar; he visited the Turkish Cypriot parliament building where he was met by Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre, and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.{{cite web|url=https://kktcb.org/en/president-ersin-tatar-holds-meeting-with-us-congressman-pete-sessions-11359|title=President Ersin Tatar holds meeting with US Congressman Pete Sessions|work=The Presidency of Northern Cyprus|date=August 2023|access-date=August 4, 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://cm.gov.ct.tr/Haberliste?id=7896|title=Töre, ABD Temsilciler Meclisi üyesi Session'ı kabul etti|work=The Assembly of Northern Cyprus |date=August 2023|access-date=August 4, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.t-vine.com/president-tatar-tells-american-congressman-us-should-recognise-two-state-solution-for-cyprus|title=President Tatar tells American congressman US should recognize two-state solution for Cyprus|work=T-Vine|date=August 2023|access-date=August 4, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.olomoinfo.com/2023/08/us-congressman-pete-sessions-visited.html|title=US congressman Peter Anderson Sessions visited the TRNC, meets with Ersin Tatar|work=olomoinfo|date=August 2023|access-date=August 4, 2023}}

Membership in international organisations

{{main|Membership of Northern Cyprus in international organizations}}

In 1979, Northern Cyprus became an observer member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation under the title "Turkish Cypriot State".{{cite web | url=https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=179&p_ref=60&lan=en | title=Observers }} In 2017, Northern Cyprus was represented with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" for the first time at an OIC conference in Saudi Arabia.[http://pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr/en/trnc-represented-with-its-official-name-for-the-first-time-at-oic-conference/ TRNC Public Information Office] TRNC represented with its official name for the first time at OIC conference.[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/212572/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI Kibris Postasi, 9 Feb 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222115824/http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/212572/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI |date=22 February 2017 }} Minister Saner: "Our country was designated as "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in a OIC conference for the first time.

In 1994, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus became an observer member of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (Türksoy).{{cite web | url=https://www.turksoy.org/kuzey-kibris-turk-cumhuriyeti | title=Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti }}

In 2004, the Turkish Cypriot community was awarded "observer status" in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), as part of the Cypriot delegation. Since then, the two Turkish Cypriot representatives of PACE are elected in the Assembly of Northern Cyprus.[https://books.google.com/books?id=4PwmeRG9QsUC James Ker-Lindsay (UN SG's Former Special Representative for Cyprus)] The Foreign Policy of Counter Secession: Preventing the Recognition of Contested States, p.149[https://archive.today/20140226103031/http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=516B38E2EAFF2073525EEB08F7B53903?newsId=105715 Today's Zaman] 2005-2007: CTP Özdil Nami; UBP Huseyin Ozgurgun

On 16 October 2012, Northern Cyprus became an observer member of the Economic Cooperation Organization under the title "Turkish Cypriot State".{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-ahmadinejad-discuss-syria-during-private-meeting-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=32524&NewsCatID=338|title=Erdoğan, Ahmadinejad discuss Syria during private meeting - POLITICS|date=16 October 2012 |access-date=20 February 2015}} In 2017, Northern Cyprus was represented with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" for the first time at an ECO conference in Pakistan.[http://www.radio.gov.pk/01-Mar-2017/trade-transport-energy-core-areas-of-eco-says-halil-ibrahim Radio Pakistan 01.03.2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302030156/http://www.radio.gov.pk/01-Mar-2017/trade-transport-energy-core-areas-of-eco-says-halil-ibrahim |date=2 March 2017 }} ECO leaders urge for regional economic cooperation[https://kktcb.org/en/statement-by-president-mustafa-akinci-at-the-13th-summit-of-5870 Presidency of Northern Cyprus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123010209/https://kktcb.org/en/statement-by-president-mustafa-akinci-at-the-13th-summit-of-5870 |date=23 January 2019 }} Statement by President Mustafa Akıncı at the 13th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation

In 2013, North Cyprus Red Crescent Society became an observer member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.{{Cite web |url=http://todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=74D3DCDA53663022F0F176CDDD20F606?newsId=333125 |title=Turkish Red Crescent clinches spot on international board - Today's Zaman, your gateway to Turkish daily news |access-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211140212/http://todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=74D3DCDA53663022F0F176CDDD20F606?newsId=333125 |archive-date=11 December 2013 }}

In 2022, Northern Cyprus became an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-republic-of-northern-cyprus-admitted-to-organization-of-turkic-states-as-observer/2735208 |title=Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus admitted to Organization of Turkic States as observer |access-date=11 November 2022}} The TRNC President, Ersin Tatar, participated at the Ankara Extraordinary Summit of the Organization on 17 March 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/tatar-tdt-zirvesi-kktc-adiyla-uluslararasi-toplantida-yer-almamiz-gercekten-cok-anlamliydi/2848398 | title=Tatar: (TDT Zirvesi) KKTC adıyla uluslararası toplantıda yer almamız gerçekten çok anlamlıydı }} He also received the Secretary General of the OTS on 22 September 2023 at New York, during the 78th UNGA.{{cite web | url=https://www.turkicstates.org/en/haberler/ots-secretary-general-was-received-by-the-president-of-the-turkish-republic-of-northern-cyprus-in-new-york_3048 | title=OTS Secretary General was received by the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in New York | News }}

In April 2023, Northern Cyprus became an observer member of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".{{cite web|url=https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRIS_HABERLERI/n469650-cumhuriyet-meclisi-turkpaya-gozlemci-uye-kabul-edildi|title=The Assembly of the Republic was accepted as an observer member of TURKPA|access-date=2023-04-29|publisher=Kibris Postasi}}

In 2023, the TRNC also participated to the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) summit in Bahrain.{{Cite web |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/03/13/trnc-flag-on-show-at-bahrain-meeting/ |title='TRNC' flag on show at Bahrain meeting |date=13 March 2023 |access-date=15 March 2023}}

References

External links

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[http://www.kktcb.org President's Office, Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus]
[http://www.mfa.gov.ct.tr/en/ Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20080217014844/http://www.trncpio.org/index.asp Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus Public Information Office]
[http://www.regnum.ru/english/708006.html "REGNUM" analysis on the international recognition situation of the TRNC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213022330/http://www.regnum.ru/english/708006.html |date=13 December 2010 }}