PM Üstel calls for support for Türkiye-TRNC energy projects
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has 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.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in Ankara, Üstel described relations between Türkiye and the TRNC as far beyond ordinary diplomatic ties, saying the relationship was built on shared history, common struggle and an “unbreakable brotherhood bond.”
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the meeting focused heavily on strategic energy projects planned between Türkiye and the TRNC.
Recalling the “Century Project” that brought water from Türkiye to the TRNC, Üstel said new projects involving electricity and natural gas would now transform the country’s future.
He stated that efforts regarding the interconnection electricity cable project had largely been completed on the Turkish Cypriot side, but claimed 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.
He said natural gas would initially be used for electricity generation, helping create a more environmentally friendly, secure and sustainable energy infrastructure with lower costs and lower carbon emissions.
The Prime Minister argued that those genuinely seeking a solution in Cyprus should support projects that directly improve the daily lives of both peoples on the island.
He added that increasing cooperation, production and energy partnerships would contribute more to confidence-building than increasing tensions.
Touching on the Cyprus issue, Üstel called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to move away from rhetoric that heightened tensions and instead 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.”
