For the first time since their construction, the newly built “presidential” and “parliamentary” complexes in northern Cyprus have been put into operation, hosting school events ahead of Turkey’s national sovereignty and children’s day on Wednesday.

According to an announcement from the north, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar welcomed special education students to the new “presidential” complex on April 22. Though it was the second student reception at the building for the occasion, it marked one of the first official uses of the premises. In his speech, Tatar reiterated his stance on “sovereignty” and a two-state solution for Cyprus.

On the same day, the new “parliament” building held its first symbolic session, with 50 students from schools in the occupied areas taking part. Turkish Cypriot newspaper Bagimsiz reported that the children sat in the seats of “MPs” and discussed children’s rights. The “assembly speaker,” Zorlu Tore, called the event “historic,” describing the building as a “gift from Turkey.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the official opening of the complex on May 3.