Turkey will build a 97-kilometer subsea natural gas pipeline to Northern Cyprus to bolster energy security and potentially link Eastern Mediterranean gas reserves to European markets, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced.

The project, slated to become operational in 2028, will run from the southern Turkish district of Alanya to the northern part of the ethnically divided island. Engineering work is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Speaking to broadcaster A Haber, Bayraktar said the pipeline is part of a dual-pronged strategy to address the island's pressing energy needs.

Turkey is also developing an underwater electricity cable to stabilize Northern Cyprus' power grid, which faces rising demand and frequent supply disruptions.

Currently, Northern Cyprus relies heavily on fossil fuels for its power generation. Ankara aims to accelerate these infrastructure investments to curb the environmental impact of local electricity production and secure a more stable energy supply.

Beyond addressing local domestic demand, the subsea natural gas pipeline is designed with long-term regional strategic goals in mind.

Bayraktar noted that the infrastructure will feature a reverse-flow system. This mechanism could eventually allow potential gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean to be piped from Northern Cyprus back to Turkey, and subsequently forwarded to energy markets in Europe.

The announcement follows a visit to the island last week by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who held talks with Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.

Yılmaz confirmed that both sides will sign a memorandum of understanding for the natural gas pipeline project in June, which will be followed by a formal intergovernmental agreement.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. However, Turkey recognizes the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus sits in the south.

The pipeline project marks a significant deepening of energy ties between Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot administration.