Pakistan's Endorsement of TRNC: A Strategic Alliance in the UNSC

In a significant development within international diplomacy, Pakistan has emerged as a vocal supporter of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan has actively backed Türkiye’s efforts to ensure fair representation for the TRNC, reinforcing the legitimacy of its status and calling for a more balanced discourse on the Cyprus issue.

 

On February 13, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan convened in Islamabad for the seventh meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. This significant summit culminated in the signing of 24 agreements and memoranda of understanding across various sectors, including defense, energy, trade, and technology. The leaders underscored their commitment to elevating bilateral trade to \$5 billion annually, reflecting a shared vision for economic prosperity and strategic collaboration.

 

The agreements encompassed diverse areas such as defense cooperation, energy transition, mining, trade, agriculture, technology, and cultural exchange. Notably, protocols were established for the exchange of military and civilian personnel, collaboration in electronic warfare between air forces, and joint initiatives in military health. These comprehensive accords signify a deepening partnership between Türkiye and Pakistan, reinforcing their united stance on regional and international issues, including the advocacy for the TRNC within the UNSC. 

 

Pakistan’s Historical and Clear Support for TRNC

Pakistan’s support for Turkish Cypriots is not a recent phenomenon but a long-standing commitment. As early as 1964, during the period of Greek Cypriot-perpetrated violence against Turkish Cypriots, Pakistan provided humanitarian aid, including an ambulance, to assist the besieged community. In 1983, following the TRNC’s declaration of independence, Pakistan was among the first nations—after Türkiye—to extend recognition, although it later withdrew formal recognition under international pressure. Despite this, Pakistan has consistently maintained diplomatic and economic engagement with the TRNC, reinforcing its position as a steadfast ally.

 

In recent years, Pakistan’s diplomatic statements have reiterated its position in favor of the TRNC, challenging the one-sided narrative long propagated by the Greek Cypriot leadership. The Pakistani government has voiced concerns over the political marginalization of Turkish Cypriots, urging the international community to recognize their legitimate rights. By aligning itself with Türkiye, Pakistan has positioned itself as a crucial advocate for the TRNC within the UNSC, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic fairness and equal representation.

 

During key UNSC discussions, Pakistani officials have called for a reassessment of outdated policies that fail to acknowledge the de facto reality of the TRNC. Pakistan has echoed Türkiye’s stance that peace in Cyprus can only be achieved through an agreement that respects both communities as equal entities, rather than continuing to impose a unilateral Greek Cypriot vision under the guise of a federal solution.

 

Türkiye and Pakistan: A United Diplomatic Front

Türkiye and Pakistan’s shared approach to international diplomacy extends beyond historical ties and manifests strongly in their stance on Cyprus. Türkiye has welcomed Pakistan’s consistent engagement, viewing it as a breakthrough in ensuring TRNC voices are heard in global forums. This collaboration reflects an evolving geopolitical alliance where both nations support self-determination struggles and advocate against international biases in territorial disputes.

 

Pakistan’s unwavering support for the TRNC strengthens Türkiye’s diplomatic push for a two-state solution, which acknowledges the distinct identities, governments, and aspirations of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. By working together in the UNSC, Türkiye and Pakistan challenge entrenched perspectives that dismiss Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and promote a resolution that ensures long-term stability on the island.

 

Reactions and Future Implications

The Greek Cypriot administration and its European allies have reacted strongly to Pakistan’s vocal endorsement of the TRNC. Statements from EU representatives and Greek Cypriot leaders indicate concern over the shifting dynamics at the UNSC, where Türkiye and Pakistan’s partnership has disrupted the traditional diplomatic status quo. However, the response from Turkish Cypriots has been overwhelmingly positive, with TRNC officials welcoming Pakistan’s recognition of their plight and struggle for international recognition.

 

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s involvement in advocating for the TRNC at the UNSC could inspire other nations to reassess their positions on Cyprus. Türkiye’s diplomatic strategy appears to be yielding results, as increasing international actors begin to challenge the long-standing Greek Cypriot monopoly on the Cyprus discourse.

TCE Conclusion

Pakistan’s decisive support for the TRNC within the UNSC marks a significant step toward breaking the diplomatic impasse surrounding Cyprus. From its early humanitarian aid efforts in 1964 to its present-day advocacy within the UNSC, Pakistan has remained a committed ally of Turkish Cypriots.

 

 The recent agreements signed between Türkiye and Pakistan further reinforce their shared vision for regional stability and international diplomacy. By actively challenging outdated frameworks and promoting the Turkish Cypriot right to self-governance, Pakistan strengthens Türkiye’s ongoing campaign for a fair and lasting resolution. As more nations begin to recognize the realities on the ground, the TRNC’s path toward broader diplomatic recognition could gain momentum, reshaping the international approach to Cyprus in the years to come.

 

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References

- Cyprus Mail. "Turkey 'seeks security council backing' on Cyprus through Pakistan." Published January 30, 2025.
- Anadolu Agency. "Türkiye, Pakistan sign 24 cooperation agreements to strengthen bilateral ties." Published February 13, 2025.