TEHRAN
The Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ozdil Nami said he was pleased to attend the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) at a reception held by Turkish Ambassador to Tehran, Umit Yardim.
Noting that the TRNC had been isolated and had difficulty communicating with the international community, Nami also added, "This [observer status] is a big opportunity for us and we are determined to use this right more effectively in the upcoming periods."
TRNC's accession process was agreed at the last meeting held in Azerbaijan thanks to Turkish Foreign Ministry and in particular Ahmet Davutoglu's personal attempts, said Nami, thanking Turkey.
Pointing to full membership into ECO as a next target of TRNC, the minister also said he hoped for full membership.
Adding TRNC has representatives in 21 countries, Nami said, "However, we do not have one in Tehran. I think Iran will asisst in establishing one which can contribute to relations of both sides."
Foreign Minister Nami also expressed pleasure over being included in the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) at observer state status.
The ECO, an intergovernmental organization involving seven Asian and three Eurasian nations part of the South-central Asian Union, was founded by Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. ECO's Charter was signed on 15 March 1995 in Islamabad, Pakistan. It provides a platform to discuss ways to improve development and promote trade, and investment opportunities.
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