The Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States convened for its 17th meeting in Girne on May 1–2, with İsmail Bozkurt attending on behalf of the TRNC.
İsmail Bozkurt, the Elder representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the Organisation of Turkic States, emphasised that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s observer membership is not facing any challenges or setbacks.
In a written statement, Bozkurt noted that the meeting was a tangible result of efforts to include the TRNC in activities under the Organisation’s 2025 Action Plan.
He also highlighted that the core member states were represented at a high level.
Bozkurt rejected claims that the meeting was urgently convened due to the EU–Central Asia Summit Declaration, stating it was held as part of a previously scheduled regular session.
He emphasised that the Summit Declaration had no negative implications for the TRNC, and that the elders of all full member states expressed strong support for the TRNC.
Bozkurt underlined that the issues raised by the TRNC were well received and that the TRNC’s visibility within all sub-structures of the Organisation of Turkic States was acknowledged and welcomed.
He concluded by stating that the TRNC’s position within the Organisation of Turkic States has been further strengthened.
