ISLAMABAD: Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), H.E. Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, has called for the recognition of the TRNC as a sovereign state with equal international status, while praising Pakistan’s consistent support for the Turkish Cypriot people and its recent diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.

Speaking to Pakistani journalists on the sidelines of the 9th Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States in Islamabad, Hasipoğlu said the Turkish Cypriot people seek international recognition based on the principles of sovereign equality and equal international status.

He thanked Pakistan for its longstanding support of the TRNC and expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for publicly backing the Turkish Cypriot cause. He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for hosting the OIC ministerial conference.

Commenting on regional developments, the minister praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement during the Iran–US crisis, saying Islamabad had played a role similar to that of the United Nations in efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. He said Pakistan and Türkiye had both taken important initiatives to promote peace and dialogue, adding that the TRNC closely follows Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic efforts.

“We have experienced the devastation of war ourselves and understand its consequences. We do not want any other country to go through the same suffering,” he said, reiterating the TRNC’s support for Pakistan’s peace efforts.

The minister emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between the TRNC and Muslim countries and called for enhanced engagement within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He also appreciated Pakistan’s positive and constructive stance on the Cyprus issue.

Hasipoğlu noted that around 15,000 Pakistani nationals are currently living in the TRNC, where they are contributing positively to society. He said there are employment opportunities for skilled Pakistanis and that they can earn competitive salaries in Northern Cyprus.

On a lighter note, the minister said he was particularly impressed by Pakistani mangoes, describing them as more delicious than those imported from Kenya.

The interaction provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on regional developments, the Cyprus issue, and prospects for expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.