Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced plans for a natural gas pipeline connecting Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), aiming to supply gas and potentially generate electricity for the entire island. The project involves constructing a 101-km (63-mile) subsea pipeline, which may also connect to Europe in the future.
Energy cooperation and maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean have led to ongoing disputes between Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, particularly regarding hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey is the only country that recognizes the TRNC and does not acknowledge the Greek Cypriot government.
Bayraktar mentioned that gas from the pipeline could power a gas-fired plant in the TRNC, possibly allowing the TRNC to sell electricity to the Greek Cypriot government if an agreement is reached. He expressed that if gas is found in the eastern Mediterranean, it could be transported to Turkey and European markets. Bayraktar also indicated Turkey’s willingness to cooperate with Greece on energy matters. Cyprus has been divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974.
With information from Reuters
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