Construction begins on natural gas pipeline connecting Turkey and northern Cyprus

Construction has commenced on a natural gas pipeline intended to connect Turkey with the northern part of Cyprus. According to reports from the Sabah newspaper, the pipeline will span a total of 101 kilometers, with 97 kilometers of that length being underwater. The infrastructure is designed to have an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Initially, the pipeline is planned to supply gas from Turkey to the Turkish-occupied areas. In a subsequent phase, the project aims to facilitate the reverse flow of gas, potentially transporting Mediterranean energy resources through Turkey to European markets. Olgun Amcaoglu, the representative for economy and energy in the Turkish Cypriot administration, stated that the project seeks to bolster energy security in the region. He also reiterated that future energy cooperation depends on the recognition of sovereign equality and the rights of Turkish Cypriots, echoing recent sentiments expressed by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.