On April 11, Ersin Tatar, the de-facto President of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, expressed deep gratitude for Azerbaijan's consistent support, emphasizing President Ilham Aliyev’s strong ties with both Türkiye and Northern Cyprus and highlighting potential areas for bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and tourism.
Speaking to journalists at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Tatar stated that Azerbaijan has always stood by Northern Cyprus. He emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev maintains exceptionally close relations with both Türkiye and Northern Cyprus, expressing appreciation on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people: "For this reason, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan through the media."
In an interview on April 12, Tatar reiterated the strong bond between Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus, referring to the often-cited expression: "Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are one nation, three states." He noted that, as Turkic nations, there is a natural closeness between the two peoples. Tatar proposed expanding cooperation through academic and cultural exchanges, suggesting the establishment of a student exchange program between universities in Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus. He remarked that many young people in Cyprus are eager to learn more about Azerbaijan and that such exchanges would be mutually beneficial.
Tatar also expressed appreciation for President Aliyev’s unwavering support for Turkish Cypriots. He referenced a recent statement by President Aliyev to international media, in which Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s full support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and its aspirations for international recognition. "He emphasized that Azerbaijan will do everything possible to help us and reaffirmed his confidence in the determination of the Turkish Cypriots. We are deeply grateful for this solidarity," Tatar stated.
On April 12, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan’s unwavering support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Bayramov highlighted the close, brotherly ties between Azerbaijan and the TRNC, noting that TRNC President Ersin Tatar had visited Azerbaijan and that the parliaments of both countries had formed friendship groups. He also pointed out that the TRNC holds observer status in the Organization of Turkic States.
Bayramov emphasized that a fair solution to the Cyprus issue must ensure equal rights for both the Turkish and Greek communities on the island, based on justice, historical facts, and international law. He reassured that Azerbaijan’s support for the TRNC would remain steadfast, stating, "Our Northern Cypriot brothers can be confident in Azerbaijan’s unwavering support."
Notably, Central Asian nations, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, have recently appointed ambassadors to Cyprus, signaling a strengthening of diplomatic ties with the Republic of Cyprus. For instance, Kazakhstan agreed to exchange ambassadors with Cyprus in January 2025, and Uzbekistan accredited its ambassador in Italy to Cyprus in December 2024. The recent establishment of embassies by Central Asian countries in Cyprus has the potential to strain relations with Turkey, primarily due to the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Cyprus issue. Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, instead acknowledging the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a self-declared state recognized only by Turkey. These diplomatic moves occur in the context of broader regional dynamics, such as the April 2025 EU–Central Asia summit in Samarkand, which emphasized enhanced institutional, economic, and trade relations. Turkey has historically viewed Central Asia as a region of strategic importance, aiming to bolster its influence through cultural, economic, and political engagements. The establishment of Central Asian embassies in Cyprus may be perceived by Turkey as a challenge to its interests in the region, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions.