Ataoğlu: Natural Gas Project Will Secure TRNC's Energy Future

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu has described the memorandum of understanding signed with Turkey for the construction of a natural gas pipeline as a historic step for the TRNC's energy future.

Ataoğlu said the project, launched under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, would secure the TRNC's energy supply for many years to come.

"The natural gas pipeline extending from Anamur to Teknecik is not merely an energy investment. It is a strategic project that will contribute significantly to our country's economic development, industrial growth, tourism sector and transition to cleaner energy," he said.

Ataoğlu added that using natural gas for electricity generation would both reduce costs and enable a cleaner energy production process.

He said the tourism industry depends on a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply, adding that strengthening the country's energy infrastructure would improve the investment climate, encourage new investments and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

"It is impossible to speak of sustainable development without strong energy security. This project will provide both our citizens and our productive sectors with a safer, more affordable and more sustainable energy infrastructure," he said.

Ataoğlu also highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, saying reduced reliance on other fossil fuels would lower carbon emissions and support ongoing environmental protection efforts.

Concluding his statement, Ataoğlu thanked everyone involved in the project and said Turkey's continued support for the TRNC in the energy sector, as in other fields, was "a great source of strength and confidence."

"I hope this landmark investment, which will help shape our country's future, will be beneficial for our people," he said.