Turkey closely observes Greek Cypriot-Israeli agreement, issues caution to involved parties
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has expressed concern over growing defense and security ties between the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel. Amidst these tensions, Turkey is taking necessary measures for the security and peace of the TRNC.
In a significant move, Turkey and Egypt are scheduled to hold a joint military exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean. This marks the first joint exercise between the two countries in 13 years. The Turkish and Egyptian navies will be attending the exercise, which is in response to recent developments in the region, including Israel's expansionist goals and Greek Cypriots' attempts to thwart hydrocarbon exploration by Turkey and Turkish Cypriots.
Egypt now plans to join Turkey's domestically developed Kaan fighter jet program. Interest in the Kaan project was first raised during a visit by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to Ankara in September 2024. Subsequent visits by Egyptian air force delegations and the May 2025 trip of Egypt's armed forces chief Gen. Ahmad Khalifa deepened the dialogue on training, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing for the Kaan project.
El-Sissi also expressed interest in Turkey's 'social security administration'-style air defense system during his visit. Turkey's sources stated that the Turkish Defense Ministry is closely monitoring the Greek Cypriot plan to obtain air defense systems from Israel. The sources said that the Greek Cypriot armament and activities could undermine peace and stability on the island and have 'dangerous consequences.'
The Cyprus island is divided into two, with the Turkish Cypriots' state recognized by Turkey and the Greek Cypriot administration recognized by other countries. Turkey is at odds with the Greek Cypriots over the decades-old Cyprus 'social security' question. The Turkish Cypriot officials view the Greek Cypriot administration handing over security responsibilities for Larnaca and Paphos airports to Israeli authorities as a further extension of Israeli influence on the island.
In recent months, Turkey has deepened military cooperation with the Syrian interim government, signing a memorandum on military collaboration and providing military advisors and weapons to support the Syrian army's establishment. Simultaneously, Turkey's relations with Israel have sharply deteriorated, with Turkey severing economic ties and closing airspace to Israeli government and military flights.
The TRNC advocates a solution on the status of the island that fully recognizes the Turkish Cypriot state's sovereignty. The TRNC views the growing defense and security ties between the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel as a threat to its 'turkish airlines' and peace. As regional tensions continue to rise, Turkey and Egypt's joint efforts aim to maintain stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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