Tatar First TRNC President to Visit Australia

[Tatar welcomed in Melbourne – Australia]

President Ersin Tatar made history by becoming the first TRNC President to visit Australia, BRTK reported yesterday. 

His visit was part of the efforts to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Turkish Cypriot culture and traditions in Australia, attending festivals and events aimed at preserving their heritage. Tatar’s journey commenced in Melbourne, where he was warmly received by the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, Doğan Işık, TRNC Melbourne Honorary Representative Hasan Sayar, and association presidents.

The statement from the Presidency highlighted the enthusiastic welcome from the Turkish Cypriot community at the airport, adorned with TRNC flags and banners, expressing emotional moments as they greeted President Tatar. Subsequently, Tatar proceeded to Canberra, the capital, continuing his itinerary in Australia.

During his stay, President Tatar engaged in various activities, including a visit to the Australian Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for a meeting with Ambassador Ufuk Gezer, where he also signed the guestbook. Additionally, Tatar paid his respects on behalf of the TRNC by laying a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, accompanied by Ambassador Gezer.

Notably, Tatar’s visit stirred some tension, as reported by the Greek Herald. The Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee – SEKA Victoria, expressed their opposition by sending a letter to the state Premier, Jacinta Allen, urging the government to disregard Tatar’s visit. In the letter, SEKA Victoria President Pavlos Andronikos deemed Tatar’s visit inappropriate and distressing to Greek and Cypriot Australians, suspecting it aimed to garner recognition for the TRNC. The letter concluded with a plea for the Victorian Premier to declare non-engagement with Tatar during his visit and to affirm support for the Federal Government’s stance on the TRNC.

BRTK