Turkish tourism min. meets Turkish Cypriot president

By Murat Demirci

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avci was received by Turkish Cyprus' president and its parliament speaker on Wednesday on an official visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci received Avci at the Presidential Palace Residence for Avci’s first visit in his current post, which he assumed last month. Also taking part in the closed-door meeting were Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Derya Kanbay, Turkish Cypriot Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoglu, and Presidential Undersecretary Gurdal Hudaoglu.

Separately, Avci met with Parliament Speaker Sibel Siber in her office.

During that visit, Avci said that Turkey and the TRNC have been preparing a joint action plan for culture and tourism.

Siber also congratulated Avci on his new post and stressed the importance of the two countries’ cooperation on tourism.

Siber said that the two countries should work together to promote northern Cyprus as a tourism destination.

* Anadolu Agency Correspondent Hatice Kesgin contributed to this report from Ankara.