10.07.2026 13:11
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz went to Nicosia to sign a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a 97-kilometer natural gas pipeline with the TRNC. Energy and competition in the Eastern Mediterranean are also on the agenda in the talks.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz went to Nicosia to meet with Turkish Cypriot leaders and sign an agreement for the construction of a new natural gas pipeline extending from Turkey to the island.
Yılmaz is accompanied by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı.
Vice President Yılmaz held a press conference with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel. Yılmaz is also expected to meet with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman.
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE TO BE ESTABLISHED
During Yılmaz's visit, it is planned that a memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of a natural gas pipeline will also be signed between the parties.
Energy Minister Bayraktar, in a statement to the press at the end of May, said, "There is a need for a 97-kilometer natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."
Bayraktar stated that this pipeline would start from Alanya and reach the northern part of the island.
"Our goal is to complete the engineering work this year. After the engineering work is completed, we aim to realize this pipeline project by 2028."
Bayraktar also expressed that if natural gas is discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean, gas flow could be directed to Turkey via Northern Cyprus through this pipeline.
ENERGY TENSION IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
There has been an ongoing energy tension for years in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus as well as some European countries.
Turkey conducts hydrocarbon exploration and drilling activities in the region within the framework of the authority granted to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) by the Turkish administration in the north of the island. It also claims rights by asserting its continental shelf in some parcels southeast of Cyprus.
The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, claiming sovereignty over the entire island, rejects the rights claims of Turkey and the Turkish administration on the island. It also grants drilling permits to US and European-based energy companies in disputed parcels.
Tension between the parties peaked in 2022. Turkey sent its drilling ships to the Eastern Mediterranean. However, over time, the tension continued at a lower level. Many of Turkey's drilling ships focused on activities in the Black Sea.
Following claims that Turkey had stopped drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications issued a statement on October 1, 2025, saying:
"Turkey continues its oil and natural gas exploration activities in a planned manner within its own continental shelf and the license areas allocated to TPAO by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and maintains its determination to protect its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean."