In a significant step towards bolstering trade security and combating smuggling, a mobile x-ray scanning system donated by Türkiye was handed over to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) today at a ceremony held at the Gazimağusa Port.
Speeches were delivered at the ceremony by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Minister of Finance Özdemir Berova and the Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, underscoring the strong cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC in these critical areas.
The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı and the Minister of Interior Dursun Oğuz were also present at the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s ports following the upgrades at Ercan Airport.
He highlighted the importance of these efforts in advancing the national economy.
“We are working to bring our ports to a modern structure, just like Ercan Airport, to continuously advance our country’s economy,” he said.
The Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat in his speech reiterated Türkiye’s dedication to supporting the Turkish Cypriot people in achieving their deserved level of prosperity.
He emphasized the importance of fighting against injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots, stating, “It is our fundamental duty to work for the Turkish Cypriots to reach the prosperity they deserve and to combat the injustices they face together. As Türkiye rises and strengthens, so will the TRNC.”
In his remarks, Finance Minister Özdemir Berova explained that one of the two mobile X-RAY scanning devices donated by Türkiye will be operational at Gazimağusa Port as of today while the other is expected to be installed at Girne Port within one to one and a half months. Berova highlighted the significance of this donation, saying, “This is a very important step towards strengthening our customs.”
The donation is part of a broader collaboration between the Turkish Ministry of Trade and the TRNC Ministry of Finance aimed at enhancing trade security and combating smuggling.
The implementation of the mobile X-ray scanning system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations in Northern Cyprus, thereby contributing to safer and more secure trade practices in the region.
Following the ceremony, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel held a face-to-face meeting which was closed to the press.
The Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat then paid a visit to the fenced-off town of Maraş.
Later in the afternoon, he visited the Girne Port where held more inspections.
He was also received by the Acting President and Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre before meeting with the Economic Organisations Platform and MUSIAD TRNC.
Minister Bolat is set to depart from the TRNC later tonight.
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