Nafiya Horozoğlu, the Chair of the Turkish Cypriot Youth and Family Association in the UK (KTGAB), and Vice Chair İsmayil İbrahim, held an important meeting with the TRNC Minister of Tourism, Youth, and Environment of Northern Cyprus, Fikri Ataoğlu. During the meeting, KTGAB’s proposal reports were presented to Minister Ataoğlu and discussed, and information was shared about the events that KTGAB will organize in 2024.
One of the main items on the meeting’s agenda was the issue of assimilation faced by young Turkish Cypriots living in the UK. KTGAB suggested that Turkish Cypriot youth in the UK should promote Northern Cyprus as a tourism destination more effectively. This aims to raise awareness of Northern Cyprus’ tourism potential among young people more widely.
Additionally, the creation of intergenerational working groups under the name “think tanks” was discussed. These groups will provide a platform for young Turkish Cypriots to share their ideas and develop projects. Inter-generational “think tanks” will enable Turkish Cypriot youth to articulate their recommendations more effectively.
Another topic discussed at the meeting was the military service fee. The fee for conscription, which was set at £1,000 in 2020, was increased to £4,000 last December. KTGAB proposed that young people should have an easier time going through this process and that the conscription fee be reduced back to £1,000.
These discussions reflect the desire of Turkish Cypriot youth in the UK to contribute to the promotion of Northern Cyprus and the significant steps taken by KTGAB for inter-generational cooperation.
