Once the floating drilling rig Yavuzhas completed its active task, it will return to drilling in the Mediterranean, said Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez, saying there were some positive developments in the eastern Mediterranean in terms of gas exploration. Moreover, the Minister of Finance and Energy in the TRNC Erhan Arikli said that Turkey and the TRNC have rights to plots 13 and 11 around Cyprus.
Speaking at the 4th Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Summit, Mr. Donmez said that there are some positive developments in the Eastern Mediterranean in the field of gas exploration and work is continuing. As he said, the Yavuz drilling rig will start drilling after completing its maintenance work.
“In the Mediterranean we did 8 drillings, we have a lot of experience. The number of our fleet has increased. We are speeding up our work every day,” he said.
Arikli: The Eastern Mediterranean countries are trying to keep Turkey out of the equation
Eastern Mediterranean countries are trying to keep Turkey out of the equation, said Minister of Finance and Energy Arikli. 
In his speech at the 4th Turkey Energy and Natural Resources Summit, Arikli said that “all Eastern Mediterranean countries except Turkey and the TRNC have one common denominator: how to build an Eastern Mediterranean without “Turkey, how can Turkey not benefit from these riches, how can we leave Turkey out, that counts.”
He argued that the energy and defense cooperation agreements signed by South Cyprus with Egypt and Israel are the result of Greek Cypriot efforts to keep Turkey out, and said that these policies are also encouraged by major states.
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Rights in plots 13 and 11 of the Republic of Cyprus
Arikli said that Turkey and the TRNC have rights to plots 13 and 11 in Cyprus. As he said, in response, Turkey made two moves. The first move was the “licensing agreement with the TRNC” with which Turkey launched investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean region, the second move was the agreement with Libya. “This is the obstacle placed in front of the East Med. “In two moves, Turkey has shown that it is a strong player in the Eastern Mediterranean and has shown the world that there can be no move without Turkey.”
Finally, he said that hydrocarbon exploration activities in the area have been mutually suspended, adding that “cold or hot” conflicts may start once they begin.
