Prime Minister Üstel calls for support for energy projects

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in Ankara, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel described relations between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as far beyond ordinary diplomatic ties, saying the relationship was founded on shared history, common struggle and an “unbreakable brotherhood bond.”

Prime Minister Üstel called on the Greek Cypriot administration, the European Union and the international community to support major energy and infrastructure projects planned between Türkiye and the TRNC, stressing that such initiatives could contribute directly to cooperation, stability and trust on the island.

Üstel said the meeting had focused extensively on strategic energy projects between Türkiye and the TRNC. Referring the “Century Project” that brought water from Türkiye to the TRNC, Üstel said new electricity and natural gas projects would now transform the country’s future.

Stating that works on the interconnection electricity cable project had largely been completed on the Turkish Cypriot side, Üstel said that political obstacles and delays over permits had slowed progress. Calling on the Greek Cypriot administration and the European Union to support the projects instead of blocking them, Üstel said energy, water and infrastructure cooperation could help build trust between the two sides on the island.

He stressed that the most realistic and sustainable route for energy supply to Cyprus was through Türkiye and urged international actors to back “realistic and applicable projects” that would contribute to peace and cooperation on the island.

Üstel also announced plans for a natural gas pipeline project from Türkiye to the TRNC, describing it as one of the most important strategic initiatives of the century.

Touching on the Cyprus issue, Üstel called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to adopt policies aimed at strengthening cooperation and bringing the two communities closer together.

The Prime Minister also said projects under the 2026 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement with Türkiye were progressing rapidly, adding that investments in healthcare, education, housing, roads, tourism, agriculture and the real sector would continue.

Üstel said political stability in the TRNC had played a major role in accelerating long-delayed projects and reforms, stressing that “where there is stability, there is investment, projects and a strong future.”

Üstel thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, and the delegations involved, and expressed hope that the planned energy and natural gas projects would benefit the region, the island, and the people.