Türkiye took a new strategic step that can change the energy and geopolitical status quo in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ankara and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed a deal for the construction of a subsea natural gas pipeline, which will connect the shores of Türkiye to the Island of Cyprus.
The project features a 101-kilometre natural gas pipeline, 97 kilometres of which will stretch across the Mediterranean seabed, with the remaining four kilometres situated on land. The pipeline is slated to become operational in 2028.
Having formerly developed an underwater system for providing drinking water from Türkiye to Northern Cyprus, Ankara is now taking the next major step: supplying natural gas to the island.
Turkish officials regard the project as a next-generation strategic investment of long-term significance.
Alparslan Bayraktar, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye, said that supplied natural gas will be primarily used for energy production at the initial stage. The Minister added that this project will reduce Northern Cyprus' dependence on imported liquid fuels and the cost of electricity generation while improving energy supply security.