09.03.2025 14:10
According to the Spitsbergen Agreement, which has been published in the Official Gazette and has come into effect, Turkish citizens and companies can now acquire property and obtain residence permits in the Svalbard archipelago.
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According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidential Decision published in the Official Gazette dated March 7, 2025, has brought the Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Agreement into force for Turkey.
RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES GRANTED
The agreement, signed in Paris, the capital of France, on February 9, 1920, and in force since 1925, recognizes Norway's sovereignty over the islands while granting citizens of third countries the right to acquire property and reside in the Svalbard Archipelago, as well as to engage in commercial activities in fishing and mining and to conduct scientific research.
TURKISH SCIENTISTS WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT RESEARCH
With Turkey's accession to the agreement, Turkish citizens and companies will gain the right to acquire property and reside in the Svalbard Archipelago, be able to fish in the territorial waters of the islands, and engage in commercial activities in maritime and mining sectors. Additionally, Turkish scientists will have the opportunity to conduct scientific research at the established Turkish Science Station, and Turkish students will have access to education at the Svalbard University Center.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE ARCTIC REGION WILL BE STRENGTHENED
With this step, Turkey aims to benefit from the living and non-living natural resources of the Arctic region and to strengthen the scientific and economic activities it can carry out in the area. In this context, Turkey's goal of becoming an observer member of the Arctic Council is also maintained. On the other hand, Turkey has been organizing successful scientific expeditions to the Arctic region in recent years.
The fourth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-IV), successfully conducted by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (TÜBİTAK MAM) in Norway's exclusive economic zone and the Svalbard Islands and territorial waters, was completed between June 26 and July 25, 2024.
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