**Ustel Claims Azerbaijan Charter Flights to North ‘Nearing Launch’**
The Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel announced on Saturday that the process for initiating charter flights between Azerbaijan and the northern part of Cyprus is at an "advanced stage." Speaking from Baku, Ustel highlighted that ongoing discussions of cooperation agreements could soon lead to the establishment of these flights.
Ustel emphasized that significant progress has been made in negotiations with the Azerbaijani government, suggesting that both parties are close to formalizing arrangements that would enhance connections between Azerbaijan and the north. He expressed optimism that regular charter flights could commence following the signing of the relevant agreements.
The proposed air connection is seen as a strategic move to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, trade, and higher education. Ustel articulated that improved transportation links would not only increase visitor numbers but also foster closer economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
His remarks were delivered during a cultural event in Baku, which was attended by officials from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the northern part of Cyprus. During the event, Ustel praised the strong relations among the parties involved and extended his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the ongoing support for the northern region.
Ustel also referenced the recent participation of representatives from the north in meetings related to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), where the north holds an observer status. He described this engagement as a significant advancement toward enhancing cooperation with Turkic-speaking nations.
In his address, Ustel pointed out that relations with Azerbaijan have expanded across multiple sectors, particularly in education and tourism. He noted that the presence of Azerbaijani students studying at universities in the north contributes to the strengthening of ties between the two regions.
While Ustel reported "significant progress" in discussions regarding charter flights, he did not provide a specific timeline for when these services might begin. The issue of direct international air links to the north remains politically sensitive, as the northern part of Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus maintains that flights to the north operate outside the framework of international aviation agreements, deeming them illegal.
As of now, Azerbaijani authorities have not publicly confirmed any agreements regarding the charter services. The developments surrounding the potential launch of these flights reflect ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the northern region of Cyprus.