Islamabad, July 13, 2026: The Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), H.E. Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, has reaffirmed the TRNC’s commitment to women’s empowerment, social justice and international cooperation while addressing the 9th Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States in Islamabad.
Addressing ministers and delegates from across the Islamic world, Minister Hasipoğlu thanked the Government of Pakistan for its warm hospitality and the OIC Secretariat for successfully organising the ministerial conference.
He said that despite decades of unjust embargoes, political isolation and international restrictions, the Turkish Cypriot people had continued to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and safeguard human dignity.
Highlighting the role of women in nation-building, the minister paid tribute to Turkish Cypriot women for their contributions in education, healthcare, academia, politics, entrepreneurship, public administration and civil society.
He said the TRNC Government remained committed to advancing gender equality through policies aimed at expanding women’s participation in economic and social life. These included employment support, social security incentives, entrepreneurship programmes and comprehensive services for women affected by violence.
Speaking on the conference theme of women’s socio-economic and political empowerment, Minister Hasipoğlu said empowering women was fundamental to achieving sustainable development, building resilient institutions and ensuring inclusive social progress.
He called for stronger cooperation among OIC member states through the exchange of best practices, vocational training, entrepreneurship initiatives and enhanced social protection mechanisms.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, Minister Hasipoğlu reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s long-standing position that two sovereign states and two distinct peoples exist on the island of Cyprus.
He reaffirmed the TRNC’s support for a lasting and realistic settlement based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the two sides.
The minister also appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s position on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus during the recent Pakistan–Türkiye leaders’ meeting.
He said Pakistan’s principled solidarity was deeply appreciated by the Turkish Cypriot people and reflected the enduring bonds of friendship between the two sides.
Concluding his address, Minister Hasipoğlu urged OIC member states to take concrete steps to end what he described as unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people and to strengthen solidarity in accordance with OIC resolutions.
He expressed confidence that the conference would further advance women’s empowerment while promoting greater unity, cooperation and shared prosperity across the Islamic world.
