Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives north Cyprus (updated)

Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived north Cyprus this evening on an official visit. He was greeted and welcomed by TRNC officials at a ceremony at Ercan International Airport in Lefkosa.

Erdogan who was sworn in as president of turkey on Monday, July 9 touched down in north Cyprus at about 7:00pm.

Erdogan on arrival at the Ercan airport

There was a heavy security presence at the airport upon his arrival.

More than one thousand people including, officials, businessmen and MPs were at the airport to welcome him.

Erdogan waves to the crowd on his arrival to the TRNC

Erdogan then proceeded to Lefkosa in a motorcade where he met with president of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Mustafa Akinci at the presidential palace.

He then visited the Ataturk Monument at the city center, Lefkosa placing a wreath at the Monument and signing the Special Book.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily, Kibris, President Erdogan wrote the following on the Monuments Private Book:

St. Atatürk,the Turkish nation, which constitutes an integral part of the Turkish Cypriot people pointing the way to reach the contemporary civilization level you have to have always beside those walking rapidly with the support of motherland Turkey and the Republic of the future, hope and it looks confident.The rise of the welfare Turkey Turkish Cypriots are determined to continue their efforts towards the preservation of law and equality.As a result of the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people for years, the hero will continue to develop the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus established at the expense of the souls and blood of our saint martyrs.We affirm our belief that this liberation that is won with the hard struggle for the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot will continue forever, we are bowing in front of the memory of the saint. (not 100% translated from Turkish)

Erdogan at the Ataturk Monument in Lefkosa on Tuesday evening

Erdogan and his Turkish delegation held a meeting with the Akinci and TRNC officials at the presidential palace before proceeding to hold a joint press conference with Akinci.

President Erdogan and Akinci in a joint press conference at the Presidential palace

He will depart the island late into the night.