Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Bilgin was in Lefkosia to pay visits.

First Session of “Social Security Joint Permanent Commission” comprised of Türkiye and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) convened with the participation of Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Bilgin and Minister of Labour and Social Security of TRNC Hasan Taçoy.

During the session, which was held in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of TRNC in presence of commission members from both countries as well as Ambassador of Türkiye to Lefkoşe Metin Feyzioğlu, collaboration in the fields of work life, employment and social security was addressed and exchange of opinions took place in respect thereof.   

Noting that TRNC’s accession to the Organization of Turkish States (TDT) as observer member was significant and remarkable; Bilgin stated during the press release before the session, “This accession is of crucial importance both for us and from the viewpoint of the West, of the colonizers. They are aware of its significance as well. Therefore, there are policies that they have generated against this stance. Currently, we have been observing the repercussions of these policies in the countries of Turkish origin including TRNC. However, they do not cause any concern for us, as Türkiye is a major country now.”

Emphasizing that the collaboration between Türkiye and brotherly countries should enhance through modernization under today’s circumstances, Minister Bilgin continued:

"Geography of Türkiye has been experiencing a period during which the perspective ’21^st century will be the century of Türkiye’ shall be justified. The course of events when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk made Türkiye independent by defeating imperialist countries a century ago is still in progress.”

Bilgin noted that the actualization of social insurance and health insurance schemes in effect in Türkiye is considered for TRNC as well and stated that 

experiences in these two fields shall be shared with TRNC.

“The Percentage Relating to the Scope of Health Coverage is 99,9”

Expressing that social and health insurance schemes in Türkiye are robust, Minister Bilgin noted that the ratio of beneficiaries of health insurance scheme is 99,9 percent and this coverage nearly encompasses entire population, stating that the remaining percentage is comprised of employees who are holders of private health insurance, which banks provide for their employees.

Bilgin informed on the desire for sharing functioning of the schemes with TRNC, noting that the necessary technical work is under way and the protocol to finalize these endeavours will be signed between the two countries today.

As for Hasan Taçoy, Minister of Labour and Social Security of TRNC, he stated that the solidarity and cooperation of TRNC with Türkiye in the fields of labour and social security inter alia would not be limited.

“Whilst Strengthening Our Current Bonds Relating to Work Life, We Will Share Mutual Experiences in the field of Social Security”

Noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s urge on the political recognition of TRNC in UN General Assembly paved the way for the commencement of a new period, Taçoy made the following remarks: 

"In the light of this awareness, we are obliged to further TRNC, our country, in every sphere, exert efforts for the elimination of current lacks and deficiencies and thus form a state gaining recognition not only in political terms, but also in regard of every field. We are conscious of our shortcomings and we are putting in efforts to eliminate them.”

Stating that TRNC-Türkiye relations have been high-level in all periods, Taçoy continued as follows: "Türkiye’s potential and capacity as well as experiences are of utmost importance for us. We will share mutual experiences in the fields of employment and social security whilst strengthening our current bonds relating to work life. Our fundamental issues are how we can augment the enforcement of “Agreement of Cooperation in the fields of Labour, Social Security and Employment” previously concluded between the two countries and how we can enhance our cooperation in the upcoming period. This objective constitutes our point of departure.”   

“As the Ministry, We Will Strive for a More Efficient Social Security Scheme in TRNC”

Having met with the President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar with the accompanying delegation afterwards, Minister Bilgin 

stated that they felt at home in TRNC, noting that the two Turkish states were brother nations.

Emphasizing in his speech that his country was subject to embargo and isolations and that TRNC gained its self-confidence as it tackled these obstacles thanks to Türkiye,  Tatar stated, "Our major goal is the happiness of people of TRNC, their look to the future with confidence and utilization of certain contemporary global developments.”

Expressing Türkiye’s pleasure of TRNC’s accession to the Organization of Turkish States (TDT) as observer member, Minister Bilgin noted, "TDT would be lacking if it were not for TRNC’s membership. These indicate that we will proceed more powerfully to the future, we will develop in solidarity.”

Stating his conviction that the problems encountered in this period would be resolved with solidarity, Bilgin underlined that the Ministry would exert efforts to make work life and social security scheme in TRNC more efficient.

“The Protocol Envisages that Citizens of Türkiye in TRNC Shall Exercise Rights to Health and Social Security”

Following the ceremony, the Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Bilgin and Minister of Labour and Social Security of TRNC Hasan Taçoy signed the protocol between the two countries.

Addressing a speech during the signing ceremony, Minister Bilgin emphasized the importance of welfare of people of TRNC, satisfaction of its employees and their contentment in work life for Türkiye and noted that Türkiye would continue to do its utmost effort to support TRNC. 

Bilgin conveyed that the protocol signed would enable the citizens of Türkiye in TRNC to exercise the rights to health and social security, stating that the two countries would proceed together to the future in confidence and peace. Minister Bilgin also noted that they would continue to take better steps in this regard.

Underscoring that the implementations that would provide relief for work and business life would remain on the Ministry’s agenda, Minister of Labour and Social Security of TRNC Hasan Taçoy continued as follows:

"We are on the brink of a new period as Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Our main duty is to make the sound regulations as required by this process and carry them into effect. We possess the political will to achieve this. We shall always take the advantage of a country populated by people who work and produce. While considering production as the duty of private sector, we also regard it as the 

mission of public and we will never overlook this fact. Our endeavours will not only target private sector. We will put in diligent efforts, so that public sector will produce and its efficiency will increase.”   

Noting that they took a crucial step towards building the future for the rising generation with the protocol signed with Türkiye, Taçoy extended thanks to those for their efforts in concluding the protocol.