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The proposed pipeline would run for approximately 97 kilometres and operate in both directions. A memorandum for its construction was signed in June, according to Kathimerini<\/em>.<\/p>\n Turkey\u2019s Energy Ministry has reportedly briefed the Foreign and Defence ministries, as well as the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), on preparations for the project.<\/p>\n Turkey\u2019s hydrographic service in Antalya is expected to issue a NAVTEX in early October to announce survey activity for the proposed pipeline route.<\/p>\n The TPAO research vessel Oruc Reis<\/em> is expected to conduct the surveys, potentially accompanied by Turkish naval vessels.<\/p>\n If the survey phase is completed, construction could move relatively quickly because a significant portion of the pipeline is reportedly already in place.<\/p>\n The development follows earlier statements from Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in April that Ankara was examining plans for a natural gas pipeline connecting the occupied territories with Turkey. At the time, Bayraktar said Turkey\u2019s state pipeline company BOTAS was conducting engineering studies for the proposed project.<\/p>\n The pipeline would further strengthen the energy connection between Turkey and the occupied territories.<\/p>\n Turkey already supplies water to the north of Cyprus through an undersea pipeline, and Ankara has increasingly developed infrastructure linking the area directly with the Turkish mainland.<\/p>\n The latest gas project comes as the Republic of Cyprus faces continuing water shortages and drought conditions, while energy and maritime disputes remain a major source of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n The pipeline is also being viewed in the context of Ankara\u2019s broader policy toward Cyprus and its support for a political settlement based on two separate states.<\/p>\n The self-declared administration in the occupied north is recognised internationally only by Turkey. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following the Turkish invasion of the island.<\/p>\n The gas pipeline plans come as Greece and Cyprus continue preparations for the Great Sea Interconnector, the planned electricity connection linking Greece and Cyprus.<\/p>\n Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has said Greece will proceed with licensing for the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection in accordance with international law.<\/p>\n Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou has also said that no decision has been taken to change the cable\u2019s planned route.<\/p>\n The competing infrastructure projects underline the growing strategic importance of energy links across the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greece, Cyprus and Turkey continue to pursue different approaches to regional energy and maritime infrastructure.<\/p>\nOruc Reis expected to conduct surveys<\/h3>\n
Deepening energy dependence<\/h3>\n
Greece-Cyprus electricity link remains separate<\/h3>\n