The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı stated that due to the Russia-Ukraine war, alternative ways will be sought to end Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.

Taking part on a televised program on BBN Türk while in Antalya, Minister Arıklı noted that once Turkiye-Israel relations improve, the transfer of Egyptian and Israeli gas to Europe via North Cyprus and Turkiye will create a significant advantage for the TRNC.

Pointing out that the Russia-Ukraine crisis has caused great damage to both the European and world economy; Arıklı noted that alternative solutions were being sought for at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to the problems created by the war.

Stating that the prices of natural gas increased 5-6 times due to the war, Arıklı noted that Russia is a country that exports both natural gas and oil, and Ukraine is a country that produces and exports grain products.

“It’s due to these countries being at war with one another that has led to the rise in prices around the world” said Arıklı.

Referring to the meeting that was realized between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis, Arıklı said that Greece should now adopt the policy developed by Turkiye together with the TRNC.

“Greece should realise that the Greek Federation thesis has disappeared and start negotiating a two-state solution. Everyone, especially Greece, needs to understand that the talks on a federation, which has wasted 50 years, have come to a dead end and cannot be finalised. They should comprehend this and enable South Cyprus to comprehend this as well,” he said.