Kurtulmuş: Embargoes on TRNC will have to end

Oct 21, 2026 12:15 pm Ibrar Younas 149

TURKISH Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş has said those imposing embargoes on the TRNC will eventually have to abandon them, expressing confidence that North Cyprus will overcome its international isolation.

Kurtulmuş: Embargoes on TRNC will have to end

Speaking to TRT Haber in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, where he attended the 15th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TÜRKPA), Mr Kurtulmuş criticised longstanding restrictions on Turkish Cypriots.

“I believe that, God willing, Cyprus’s isolation will end over the years. They will have to abandon these embargoes imposed on Cyprus in one way or another,” he said.

“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will continue its existence there as a truly strong state.”

Mr Kurtulmuş described the treatment of the TRNC as unjust, pointing to years of isolation and severe restrictions on diplomatic engagement.

“If they could, they would not even allow the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to breathe,” he said.

He stressed the importance of international platforms such as TÜRKPA in enabling the TRNC to develop bilateral contacts with participating countries and strengthen its relations with international organisations.

The assembly brought together member countries alongside observers, including the TRNC, and representatives of observer international organisations.

Mr Kurtulmuş also highlighted the forthcoming 13th summit of the Organisation of Turkic States, which he said would be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on October 29–30.