Turkey has started a new energy project. It is working with ExxonMobil, a big American oil company. The goal is to find oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and ExxonMobil signed an agreement. This means they will look for energy together.
This deal makes Cyprus and its friends worried. The areas for exploration seem to be in waters that Cyprus claims. Turkey also claims these areas for Turkish Cypriots. Turkey's Energy Minister said the deal is important. It will help find new energy sources.
The minister explained that TPAO is good at deep-sea drilling. ExxonMobil has a lot of experience worldwide. Turkey is exploring in its own waters and the Black Sea. This new deal lets them explore in areas near Cyprus. Turkish news showed maps of these claimed areas.
This agreement happens during a time of high tension. Cyprus is part of the European Union. It says the offshore energy belongs to it. The EU and Greece do not accept Turkey's claims. They say Turkey's maritime deal with Libya is not valid.
ExxonMobil is a large US company. Its work in these waters could cause more problems. An expert said Turkey is showing its intentions in the Mediterranean. This means more than just finding energy. It shows Turkey wants to be influential in the region.
Turkey has not signed the UN Law of the Sea. This makes the legal situation unclear. The world will watch how this partnership changes the Eastern Mediterranean's energy future.