The TRNC Promotional Film Premiered in Nicosia

The premiere of the films prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey in cooperation with TİKA and the Directorate General of Promotion of the Ministry took place in Nicosia.

The premiere was attended by the TRNC’s Prime Minister Tatar, ministers, the Republic of Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Deputy Minister Serdar Çam, TİKA Deputy President Serdar Kayalar, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, deputies, military officials, representatives of a great number of institutions and organizations, and invitees.

In his speech, Prime Minister Tatar stressed that serious activities must be carried out in industries such as tourism in order to further develop the TRNC. Underlining the importance of the projects to be carried out by TİKA for the development and protection of the cultural heritage, Tatar said, “TİKA implements highly important projects in the TRNC to protect and improve the Turkish identity in the country. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to its employees. We see that the projects in the field of tourism emerge as a new glimmer of hope.”

– “We will not compromise our rightful stance”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy emphasized that the TRNC possesses such a power and wealth that it will always frustrate those who ignore its existence. He said, “I would like to declare once again that we will never compromise our rightful stance against those who ignore historical facts, the international law, and conventions and impose their arguments without providing any evidence.” Ersoy stated that Turkey is determined to ensure the recognition of TRNC’s existence and to strengthen the country in the international arena. He noted that they continue to carry out projects and provide support in order to turn the TRNC’s potential in the field of culture and tourism into the most effective economic and international advantage. Underlining that they are responsible for ensuring that tourism yields the highest profit, Minister Ersoy continued, “Tourism is also one of the most powerful means to create a public opinion. The direct communication, the effect you have, the impression you make thanks to tourism give you the opportunity to win over people, who are the most effective promotional elements as they walk, talk, and guide others. If you make use of this opportunity in the right way and win over people, you will have a place in the international arena. Today, there are island countries the economies of which depend on tourism. There is no reason why the TRNC cannot achieve its potential in tourism, as in other sectors. We only need to prepare and implement the right and realistic projects.”  

The TRNC’s Minister of Tourism and Environment Ünal Üstel thanked Minister Ersoy for his support in the promotion of the country and the development of tourism in the TRNC. TİKA Deputy President Kayalar reminded that TİKA shares Turkey’s capacity and knowledge in a wide range of industries such as education, health, vocational training, agriculture, capacity increase, information technologies, and transportation with its friendly and sister nations. He said that they would turn these activities into tangible projects in the TRNC. 

The program also included the musical show “Varım, Varlığım” (I Exist. My Existence), which was prepared by Cypriot artist Abdullah Öztoprak and explained the island’s historical perspective through folkloric elements and costumes. Earlier that day, the inauguration ceremony of TİKA’s 62^nd international office was held in Nicosia, the capital of the TRNC.