The Deputy Turkish Prime Minister and State Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Abdullatif Sener, yesterday (26 May) arrived in the TRNC in order to attend the Girne American University's (GAU) graduation ceremony and receive an Honourary Service Award. President Mehmet Ali Talat and Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer also received Minister Sener.

Speaking during his meeting with President Talat, Minister Sener, stated that in order to increase the welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people Turkey would continue to provide all kinds of support and that Turkey had engaged in many efforts to put an end to the TRNC's unjust isolation.

For his part, President Talat, pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot economy was experiencing its most active period, said: "There are many factors for this. The main one is the continuation of Turkey's support. Apart from this, other factors which have had a positive effect on the economy include the recent developments; the general approach adopted by the Turkish Cypriot side during the Cyprus negotiation process which in turn has led to great international interest and made the economy attractive for foreign investors; as well as the large investments coming from Turkey. Through the economic policies that we will adopt, it's possible to make these development permanent and we must make sure that we are successful in implementing this".

Following his meeting with President Talat, Minister Sener met with Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer and pointing out that it was Turkey's biggest desire that the Turkish Cypriot people live happily and in tranquillity in the TRNC, said in order to ensure the development of the TRNC's economic and financial potential, Turkey would continue its efforts in this direction.