President Ersin Tatar represents the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Azerbaijan, engaging with leaders from across Asia and the Middle East to strengthen regional collaboration.
TRNC Expands Diplomatic Footprint: President Tatar Attends 17th ECO Summit Alongside Global Leaders
In a significant step for regional diplomacy and international engagement, President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) participated in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in Azerbaijan. The high-level gathering brought together leaders and representatives from major regional powers, including Iran, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the UAE, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria.
President Tatar’s attendance reflects an increasing effort by the TRNC to strengthen its regional presence, enhance diplomatic ties, and actively contribute to discussions on economic development, connectivity, and sustainability across Eurasia.
What is the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)?
The ECO is a regional intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among member states. Established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye—and later expanded to include several Central Asian nations—the ECO serves as a platform for enhancing trade, investment, infrastructure development, and policy coordination across a broad and strategically significant region.
The 17th Summit, held in Baku, centered around key issues such as energy cooperation, transport connectivity, digital transformation, food security, and climate adaptation—critical areas where the TRNC has growing interest and shared goals.
TRNC’s Growing Role in Regional Dialogue
While the TRNC is not yet a full member of the ECO, President Tatar’s invitation and participation underscore the deepening ties between the TRNC and key countries in the region, particularly Türkiye and Azerbaijan, both of which have openly supported Northern Cyprus in various forums.
President Tatar used the summit as an opportunity to emphasize the TRNC’s desire to contribute to regional stability and development. According to statements from his office, he held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on trade potential, energy cooperation, tourism, and educational exchanges.
“The TRNC is ready to work hand in hand with regional partners to build a future of prosperity, resilience, and mutual respect,” President Tatar said during his speech.
Strengthening Ties with Türkiye and the Turkic World
The summit also offered a moment to highlight the strategic partnership between the TRNC and Türkiye, a long-standing ally. President Tatar expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic and economic support, and welcomed Azerbaijan’s open engagement with the TRNC, which has grown significantly in recent years.
Analysts view the TRNC’s increased participation in regional events like the ECO Summit as part of a broader soft-power strategy—one that seeks to elevate the TRNC’s visibility on the international stage, despite ongoing political challenges related to recognition.
Looking Ahead
As the world increasingly turns toward regional collaboration to solve global challenges, events like the ECO Summit offer smaller states and emerging economies—including the TRNC—a chance to contribute their voice to collective decision-making.
President Tatar’s presence in Baku sends a clear message: the TRNC is not isolated, but actively engaging with the region’s leading powers in pursuit of economic development, diplomatic outreach, and shared progress. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io