UBP General Secretary Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu condemned the agreement signed between Southern Cyprus and Egypt, arguing that the unilateral declaration of an “Exclusive Economic Zone” and the collaboration over natural gas fields clearly demonstrate the Greek side’s “sole sovereignty” stance over the island. According to Hasipoğlu, this agreement—signed in Cairo in the presence of Southern Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi—is a manifestation of a mindset that completely ignores the fact that two distinct peoples and states exist on Cyprus.

He explained that the agreement covers both a mutual understanding memorandum on commercializing the Aphrodite gas field and the development of the so-called 6th parcel within the “MEB.” Hasipoğlu criticized the Greek side for not only refusing to share administration at the negotiating table but also rejecting proposals for joint management of hydrocarbon resources, thereby showing no intent to share the island’s wealth.

In response, following the signing of a continental shelf delimitation agreement with the Republic of Türkiye, KKTC granted TPAO the license to conduct research on its behalf. Hasipoğlu firmly stated, “Southern Cyprus will eventually have to recognize KKTC’s rights around the island. Otherwise, instead of a win-win, the outcome will be losses.”

He emphasized that the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean must be acknowledged, and that including Turkish Cypriots in discussions is of utmost importance. Despite proposing the establishment of an “Energy Sharing Committee” on four separate occasions, the Greek side repeatedly rejected the idea. Hasipoğlu lamented the Greek negotiators’ mindset—claiming complete sovereignty over the island and unilateral decision-making in maritime matters—and asserted that the call for “Equal Sovereignty” is both reasonable and legitimate.

Referring to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he stressed that disputing parties should first engage in negotiations. However, the Greek side has consistently avoided this approach. Hasipoğlu called for the issue to be addressed at an international conference or during the meeting planned for March, so that a fair and balanced resolution can be reached through compromise.