On July 2, Ersin Tatar, leader of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and attend several official events in Baku and Khankandi.

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Tatar was welcomed by Samir Sharifov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan; Birol Akgun, the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan; and Ufuk Turganer, the Head of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Representation in Baku.

During his visit, Ersin Tatar was awarded an honorary doctorate by Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). Speaking at the ceremony, Tatar expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the historical importance of the moment, stating, "We have always felt the support of President Ilham Aliyev."

Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov held a meeting with Ersin Tatar, where both sides underlined the significance of Tatar’s participation in the ECO Summit as the leader of an observer state. The two officials discussed recent reciprocal visits and explored opportunities for cooperation across various sectors.

Background of Relations

Notably, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a de facto state recognized only by Türkiye since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1983. The international community, including Azerbaijan, recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the island's sole legitimate government in accordance with UN resolutions.

For years, Azerbaijan maintained a carefully balanced position, supporting the territorial integrity of Cyprus under international law while enjoying close relations with Türkiye. Consequently, Baku avoided formal diplomatic ties or high-level meetings with TRNC officials to prevent straining relations with Cyprus, Greece, and the EU. This policy began to shift around 2022–2023, as Azerbaijan gradually increased its public engagement with TRNC authorities. Azerbaijani delegations attended cultural, sports, and economic events in Northern Cyprus, and officials made unofficial visits, often citing "Turkic solidarity."

The most significant signal came in June 2024 when President Ilham Aliyev held an informal meeting with Tatar during the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Shusha. While not extending official recognition, Azerbaijan's decision to permit Tatar's participation under the "Turkic world" framework was a major symbolic gesture.

Ersin Tatar on TRNC-Azerbaijan Relations

On July 3, Ersin Tatar highlighted the TRNC's growing ties with Azerbaijan and the significance of its observer status at the ECO Summit, emphasizing opportunities for strategic cooperation in economics, tourism, and education.

Tatar underlined that participating in such international events was a challenge for the TRNC due to political obstacles, and he credited Türkiye’s long-standing support for making it possible. He also noted Azerbaijan’s consistent backing, recalling President Ilham Aliyev’s past statement: "I have always been behind the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." Tatar emphasized that attending the summit in Azerbaijan held particular value, as the TRNC, though small in population, occupies a strategically critical location in the Mediterranean.

He described the ECO as a vast organization with a combined population of around 800 million, asserting that the TRNC’s presence as an independent Turkish state on such a platform was appropriate and would expand economic collaboration.

Addressing the question of international recognition, Tatar acknowledged that while the TRNC remains unrecognized by most of the world, it has secured a degree of acceptance and respect internationally. "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is independent, free, and responsible for its own future," he affirmed.

On bilateral ties, Tatar expressed satisfaction with the rapid growth of relations, noting his receipt of the honorary doctorate as a gesture of confidence and solidarity. He highlighted a shared history, cultural affinity, and common mindset as foundations for the relationship.

When asked about specific sectors for cooperation, Tatar pointed to economics and investment, noting the presence of many Azerbaijanis in the TRNC. He identified tourism as a strategic area for partnership, mentioning the increasing number of Azerbaijani tourists. Tatar added that educational cooperation could also become a key area, considering Azerbaijan’s regional importance to the TRNC’s future.