New NAVTEX announcement for Oruç Reis in the Eastern Mediterranean

Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography Department (SHODB) has published a new NAVTEX announcement in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the announcement, scientific research and underwater studies will be carried out in the determined area between 1-25 October 2026 with ships named Oruç Reis, Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo and Kırıcı. NAVTEX published by Antalya Hydrographic Station will be valid until October 26.

The "Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Gas Supply to TRNC" was signed between Türkiye and TRNC on July 10. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, TRNC Republican Assembly Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Türkiye's Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, and ministers and members of parliament from both countries attended the signing ceremony held in the TRNC Republican Assembly. Oruç Reis's research work in the region aims to collect information about the submarine structure.

KATHIMERINI: PART OF THE STRATEGY TO SUPPORT THE TRNC

Greek newspaper Kathimerini wrote that Türkiye issued a new NAVTEX by redeploying the Oruç Reis research ship to the Eastern Mediterranean. The newspaper claimed that the purpose of this deployment was to conduct research for the creation of a submarine pipeline that would carry natural gas from Türkiye to the TRNC.

According to Kathimerini, NAVTEX, valid until October 26, covers the areas from the south of Türkiye to the sea area north of Cyprus.

The newspaper noted that the submarine pipeline construction work is expected to progress relatively quickly after the research work is completed. Kathimerini noted that this project is a part of Türkiye's strategy to support the TRNC economically. It was reminded in the news that in recent years, water has been supplied to the TRNC through a pipeline carrying water from Türkiye, and that these steps have completed the Turkish strategy aiming to contribute to the independence of the TRNC.

CNN GREECE: ORUÇ REİS OPERATION IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

CNN Greece, in its news announcing Türkiye's research activities in the Eastern Mediterranean as "Operation Oruç Reis", stated that the new NAVTEX has the potential to change the balances in the region.

It was stated that the field declared within the scope of NAVTEX overlaps with the drilling and research areas previously announced by Türkiye. It was stated that the ships Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo and Kırıcı, which will accompany Oruç Reis, will provide logistical and technical support to the work in the region.

The channel evaluated this step of Türkiye within the framework of the natural gas memorandum of understanding signed with the TRNC. The news emphasized that the project aims to meet the energy needs of TRNC and support economic development in the region.

CNN Greece reported that the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the developments.

ÜSTEL: "IF Türkiye EXISTS, THERE IS POWER"

In his speech at the signing ceremony on July 10, TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that the memorandum of understanding is a strategic step that will shape the energy future of the TRNC and give a new direction to its development journey and said, "We do not leave the future of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to chance. We will create a strong infrastructure in energy. We will support production. We will increase investment. We will expand employment. We will prepare a strong future for our youth where they can live with hope in their own country." he said.

Üstel explained that Anatolia's water reaching the island through an undersea pipeline brought confidence to the TRNC along with water, and noted that after natural gas, they would focus on the electricity project that would come from Türkiye via an undersea cable. Üstel said that they see Türkiye's support in every field and said, "We are building a strong future together with our homeland, Türkiye." he said.

Pointing out that the memorandum signed today is a new sign of the partnership of fate between the Republic of Türkiye and the TRNC, Üstel stated that the two countries also gave a strong message in the Eastern Mediterranean. Üstel said, "The Turkish Cypriot people exist in this region. They are deep-rooted. They are building their future with their sovereign will. And they continue on their way determinedly with the strong support of the motherland Türkiye. We know that if there is Türkiye, there is trust. If there is Türkiye, there is power." He used the expression.

Türkiye-TRNC NATURAL GAS LINE PROJECT

Reminding that although they have completed the feasibility studies on electricity coming from Türkiye via undersea cable, they are still waiting for the approval of the European Union (EU) and its energy company ENTSO-E, under the pressure of the Greek Cypriots, Üstel said, "We are bringing natural gas from our homeland, the Republic of Turkey, to our country with a new pipeline. There is neither the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus nor Europe to hinder us here." he said.

Prime Minister Üstel expressed his gratitude on behalf of his government and the Turkish Cypriot people to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Yılmaz, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and the government of the Republic of Turkey, who contributed to taking this historical step.