Erhan Arıklı, the Chairman of the Revival Party (YDP) and Minister of Public Works and Transportation, welcomed German Alternative for Germany (AfD) MP Maximilian Krah during his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Krah expressed his intention to gain more insight into the Cyprus issue during his visit.
According to a statement from the YDP, the discussions centered on the Cyprus issue and the latest developments in the region. The meeting, held to discuss the current situation and future of Cyprus, was also attended by United National Party (UBP) MP Hasan Taçoy, along with Arıklı’s advisors, Prof. Dr. Okan Veli Şafaklı and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hasgüler.
During the meeting, Arıklı expressed his satisfaction with Krah’s visit, stating, “In an environment where our voice is suppressed, it’s extremely valuable for our country to be visited and for our views to be heard.” Minister Arıklı highlighted that the Greek Cypriot side imposes obstacles to cut off the TRNC’s connections to the world, not only in trade and politics but also in sports and cultural fields.
Cooperation is Needed to Resolve the Cyprus Issue
MP Krah, describing the Cyprus issue as an international matter, noted that its resolution offers opportunities for peace and cooperation, particularly regarding hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. He emphasized that his visit aimed to bring back more information to Germany.
Krah stated that Turkey’s integration process into the European Union could contribute to resolving the Cyprus issue. However, he underscored that certain outcomes must be implemented by the parties obstructing the solution. He expressed that Germany would keep the Cyprus issue on its agenda.
Visits to KTSO and KTİMB
As part of his contacts in Northern Cyprus, Krah also visited the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KTSO) and the Turkish Cypriot Contractors’ Association (KTİMB). During meetings at KTSO, the current status of the Turkish Cypriot industry, economic barriers, and the issues facing Turkish Cypriots in the international arena were discussed. The adverse effects of restrictions, particularly in direct trade and flights, on the industry’s development were emphasized.
KTSO Vice President Abdullah Emirzadeoğluları highlighted the need to support the community’s historical willingness for a resolution. After the visit, Krah stated he would convey his observations on the issues faced by Turkish Cypriots to Germany and the European public.
During the meeting at KTİMB, the existing minimum issues in the construction and real estate sectors were addressed. KTİMB President Cafer Gürcafer expressed that the sustainability of the sector and the need to increase direct contacts of the Turkish Cypriot business community on the international stage must be prioritized. Krah assured that he would take necessary steps to bring the topics discussed here to the agenda of the Federal Parliament upon his return to Germany.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
