Turkey, TRNC Sign Natural Gas MoU as Leaders Hail 'Historic' Project

Speaking at a joint press conference in northern Cyprus, where Yılmaz arrived to attend the signing ceremony, Üstel described the agreement as "a historic turning point" that would shape the next century of the TRNC.

"Today's memorandum of understanding on the construction of the Turkey–TRNC natural gas pipeline is a historic milestone. It is a project that will shape the next 100 years of the TRNC," Üstel said.

He said the pipeline would lower electricity generation costs, strengthen tourism infrastructure and represent a strategic investment for future generations. Üstel also said work on an electricity interconnection system and renewable energy investments was continuing.

Highlighting broader cooperation with Turkey, Üstel pointed to ongoing hospital, school and infrastructure projects, while noting that a firefighting helicopter, water reservoir and rapid-response fire unit had been deployed with Turkey's support.

Reaffirming his government's position on the Cyprus issue, Üstel said it would continue to advocate a two-state solution rather than "previously tried" settlement models.

Yılmaz said Turkey remained committed to supporting the TRNC's development, describing energy as one of the most critical pillars of economic growth.

"The project that will define today is natural gas," he said, adding that the agreement had been under preparation for a long time and that concrete implementation steps would now begin.

He said the project would mirror the long-term impact of the undersea water pipeline from Turkey, which he said had resolved the TRNC's water shortage.

"Just as the Century Water Project brought major change, natural gas will also play a significant role in strengthening the unbreakable ties between our two states," Yılmaz said.

The Turkish vice president said Ankara's ultimate objective was to make the TRNC "a centre of attraction in the Eastern Mediterranean," pledging that Turkey would continue to support the country with all available resources.

Yılmaz also highlighted Turkey's recent hosting of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying it reflected the country's growing international role and advances in the defence industry. He added that Turkey aimed to become one of the world's top 10 exporting nations while continuing to contribute to regional and global peace.