TRNC Reaffirms Two-State Cyprus Solution at OIC Conference

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue while calling for an end to what it described as the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Addressing the 9th Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States in Islamabad, TRNC Minister of Labour and Social Security Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, social justice and international cooperation.

Hasipoğlu thanked the Government of Pakistan for hosting the conference and appreciated the OIC Secretariat for organizing the event. He said that despite decades of political restrictions and economic challenges, Turkish Cypriots have continued to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and protect human dignity.

Highlighting the contributions of women in society, the minister praised Turkish Cypriot women for their role in education, healthcare, politics, entrepreneurship, public administration and civil society. He said the TRNC government remains committed to promoting gender equality through employment opportunities, social security measures, entrepreneurship support and services for women facing violence.

Speaking on women’s socio-economic and political empowerment, Hasipoğlu emphasized that greater participation of women is essential for sustainable development, stronger institutions and inclusive growth. He called for enhanced cooperation among OIC member states through sharing expertise, expanding vocational training, supporting entrepreneurship and improving social protection systems.

Discussing the Cyprus dispute, the minister said the Turkish Cypriot position remains based on the existence of two sovereign states and two distinct peoples on the island. He stressed that any lasting settlement should be founded on sovereign equality and equal international status.

Hasipoğlu also appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s continued support for Türkiye’s position regarding the TRNC during recent Pakistan-Türkiye leadership discussions. He said such support reflects the strong friendship and solidarity between Pakistan and the Turkish Cypriot people.

Concluding his remarks, the minister urged OIC member states to take practical steps to address the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and strengthen cooperation in line with OIC resolutions. He expressed hope that the conference would further promote women’s empowerment, unity and shared progress across the Muslim world.