US Congressman Pete Sessions landed at the newly inaugurated Ercan Airport last week, to become the first US politician to come directly to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The visit came at a time when TRNC is pushing to gain more international recognition.

Sessions met with TRNC president Ersin Tatar and voiced his support for a two-state solution. The status of Cyprus is a major issue between Turkiye and Greece, although the two NATO allies saw a thaw in ties recently after years of tension. Turkish President Erdogan inaugurated the new terminal building and runway of Ercan Airport on July 20. The opening ceremony coincided with the 49th anniversary of the Turkish Peace Operation on the island in 1974. The Eastern Mediterranean island has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. A Greek Cypriot coup in 1974, aimed at annexing the island, led to Ankara's military intervention. Turkiye's role in the conflict resulted in the founding of the TRNC in 1983. So, could Sessions' visit hint at future peace talks on the ethnically divided island?

Guest:
Ersin Tatar
President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

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