Turkish Defence Minister Güler: Security of Turkish Cypriots vital for Türkiye

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said the security, welfare, sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people are indispensable for Türkiye. He said that the lack of a lasting settlement after more than half a century of negotiations makes it necessary to take current realities on the island into account.

In a statement issued via the Ministry's NSosyal account, Güler spoke at a flag handover ceremony for the 2nd Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade in İskenderun, attended with Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and Navy Commander Ercüment Tatlıoğlu. He said developments from the Black Sea to the Aegean and from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Middle East are increasing security risks.

Güler said military cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and friendly countries continues, and accused the Greek Cypriot side of obstructing sports and cultural events planned in northern Cyprus. He said Türkiye will take all military and political measures under the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance to ensure the security of Turkish Cypriots.