NAVTEX issued for Türkiye-TRNC Natural Gas Pipeline
26 October, 2026
Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler has reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to safeguarding the security and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people as well as their sovereign equality and equal international status
According to a statement published on the Turkish Ministry of National Defence’s social media account, Güler attended the Flag Handover Ceremony of the 2nd Amphibious Marine Brigade Command in İskenderun. He was accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and Naval Forces Commander Rear Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu.
Addressing the ceremony, Güler said Türkiye would continue to take all necessary military and political measures to safeguard peace, security and stability on the island.
He noted that the Turkish Armed Forces continued to strengthen military cooperation with friendly and allied countries, particularly the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Emphasising that Türkiye’s position on Cyprus remained clear and firm, Güler described the security and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people along with their sovereign equality and equal international status remained indispensable priorities for Ankara.
He argued that the failure to achieve a lasting settlement despite more than half a century of negotiations demonstrated the need to recognise the existing realities on the island.
Güler also criticised the Greek Cypriot side for what he described as its continued uncompromising and exclusionary attitude towards Turkish Cypriots.
He pointed specifically to recent attempts to prevent sporting, cultural and artistic events planned in the TRNC as further examples of this approach.
Referring to Türkiye’s responsibilities under the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance, Güler stressed: “We will continue to take every military and political measure toward ensuring the security of our country and the Turkish Cypriots, and to do everything in our power for the peace, security and prosperity of the island. In this regard, the effectiveness, prestige and deterrent power of our heroic armed forces, one of the world’s largest military powers, are among our greatest pillars of support.”