Türkiye Condemns Greek Cyprus-Egypt Hydrocarbon Deal

Ankara has strongly opposed a recent energy agreement between Greek Cyprus and Egypt, arguing it ignores Turkish Cypriots' rights and threatens regional peace.

Turkey Rejects Agreement, Citing Security Concerns

Turkish defense officials dismissed the deal—signed during Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ Feb. 17 visit to Egypt—as "null and void." The agreement, involving Egypt, Greek Cyprus, and major energy firms, aims to develop the Cronos and Aphrodite gas fields for export.

“This step threatens regional stability and undermines efforts for a resolution to the Cyprus conflict,” Turkish defense sources stated on Feb. 20.

Turkey Signals Response as Guarantor State

Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Turkish Cypriot interests, warning it would exercise its guarantor role if necessary. The Turkish Cypriot Foreign Ministry also called on the international community to acknowledge the island’s division and recognize "two sovereign states."

The long-standing Cyprus dispute remains unresolved, despite repeated UN-led peace talks. The latest energy agreement is expected to further strain Turkey-Greece-Egypt relations in the Eastern Mediterranean.