The “Strategic Importance of Eastern Mediterranean” summit hosted by Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and organized by the International Social, Cultural and Academic Relations Association (USKAID) was held on Friday, 27 March 2026 at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center, receiving strong participation. During the summit, prominent names who are experts in their respective fields, discussed topics such as the geopolitical, economic and strategic dynamics of the region.
The event was attended by Olgun Amcaoğlu, the Minister of Economy and Energy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; CTP Members of Parliament Teberrüken Uluçay and Şifa Çolakoğlu; ), Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova, former Minister of State and former Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) and Faculty Member at EMU Faculty of Law; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hulki Cevizoğlu, Istanbul Member of Parliament and Head of the Turkish Group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (AIBPA); Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akalın, Edirne Member of Parliament; Şamil Ayrım, 28th Term Istanbul Member of Parliament, Chair of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Friendship Group, and Chair of the AIBPA Economic Committee; Orhan Erdem, Konya Member of Parliament and Chair of the Türkiye–Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Interparliamentary Friendship Group; Şemi Bora, President of the EMU Board of Trustees; EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç; Attorney Selman Yaray, President of USKAİD; EMU Board of Trustees Members Anıl İmre, Özdinç Akdel, and Turan Büyükyılmaz; EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren; EMU Secretary General Derviş Ekşici; President of the International Academic, Social and Economic Relations Federation (USKEF) Dr. Umut Elbir; Chair of The London Energy Club, former diplomat and former executive of the International Energy Agency Mehmet Öğütçü; as well as academics and students.
“The Eastern Mediterranean Has Been a Crossroads of Civilizations throughout History”
In his address, Attorney Selman Yaray, President of USKAİD, underscored that such meetings should not be regarded merely as academic gatherings, emphasizing that the Eastern Mediterranean has historically functioned as a crossroads of civilizations, a zone of strategic competition, and a route for the transit of energy resources. He noted that increasing energy demand, new resource discoveries, and evolving security dynamics have rendered the region critical for both Türkiye and global actors. Emphasizing that energy, security, economy, and politics are now deeply interconnected, Attorney Yaray stated that the objective of the meeting is not only to carry out evaluations, but also to develop concrete proposals and generate strategic outputs that will contribute to decision-makers.
“EMU Is Conscious of Its Responsibility as a Scientific Institution Situated in This Important Geography”
In his remarks, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean possesses strategic importance at a global level with its geopolitical, economic, energy, and legal dimensions. Stating that the region holds a critical position in terms of international balances, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed that EMU, as a scientific institution situated in this important geography, is fully conscious of its responsibility. He noted that they aim to contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region through the production of academic knowledge and international cooperation. Prof. Dr. Kılıç further stated that he believes the summit will bring together scientists and decision-makers, generating significant outcomes. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded his speech by conveying his wish for the program to be productive.
“The Eastern Mediterranean Holds Limited yet Strategic Global Importance in Energy”
In his remarks, Mehmet Öğütçü, Chair of The London Energy Club, former diplomat, and former executive of the International Energy Agency, underlined that the world is passing through a critical period characterized by multidimensional crises. He stated that the key issue is the accurate anticipation of the new order that will emerge following the end of wars. Noting that the Eastern Mediterranean holds limited yet strategic importance in terms of energy on a global scale, Öğütçü pointed out that geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the disputes along the Cyprus, Türkiye, Greece, and Israel axis, constitute risks for energy investments. Emphasizing that security and stability are determining factors in energy projects, Öğütçü highlighted the importance of communicating the data and evaluations obtained to decision-makers and the international public.
“The Region’s Importance Has Further Increased Today within the Context of Energy Resources, Geopolitical Balances, and International Relations”
Prof. Dr. Yalova, former Minister of State and faculty member of the EMU Faculty of Law, emphasized that the Eastern Mediterranean has historically been a strategic center, noting that the importance of the region has further increased today within the context of energy resources, geopolitical balances, and international relations. He also referred to the studies conducted in the field of energy law within the EMU Faculty of Law, stating that the courses offered, the research centers established, and international collaborations in this area carry significant strategic value. Expressing his satisfaction with the high level of student interest, Prof. Dr. Yalova stated that he believes the event will produce important outcomes thanks to its strong group of speakers, and extended his thanks to all those who contributed.
“The World Order Will Be Reshaped Following This Process”
Also delivering a speech, Edirne Member of Parliament Prof. Dr. Akalın underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean has historically possessed strategic importance owing to its position at the intersection of Africa, Asia, and Europe. He stated that Cyprus, and in particular the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is located at the center of this geography, noting that the region has become more critical today with the impact of energy resources. Highlighting that the world is passing through a period characterized by economic, political, and social crises on a global scale, Prof. Dr. Akalın stated that the world order will be reshaped following this process, and emphasized that Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus should be prepared for this new era.
“The Situation of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Is Critical Today in a Region Affected by Wars and Crises”
In his remarks, Şamil Ayrım, Chair of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Friendship Group, Chair of the AIBPA, and 28th Term Istanbul Member of Parliament, underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean is a strategic region where civilizations meet, trade routes intersect, and global power balances are shaped in the present day. He stated that the situation of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is critical today in a region affected by wars and crises. Emphasizing that energy, security, and geopolitical dynamics are intertwined in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ayrım noted that lasting stability can only be ensured through dialogue, mutual respect, and commitment to international law. He further provided information to participants regarding the friendship group established to enhance the recognition of Northern Cyprus and to strengthen Türkiye–Azerbaijan cooperation, as well as the upcoming meetings.
“The Rule of Law and Human Rights Are Being Frequently Violated”
Orhan Erdem, Chair of the Türkiye–TRNC Interparliamentary Friendship Group and Konya Member of Parliament, underlined that the world is passing through a critical period and that the rule of law and human rights are being frequently violated. He drew attention to the tragedies affecting civilians in the region, particularly in Gaza and Iran, and stated that Northern Cyprus should be safeguarded as a secure region under Türkiye’s guarantorship. Emphasizing the importance of sustaining a culture of negotiation despite the increasing militarization on the island, Erdem stated that they closely monitor the statements made by the relevant countries and their leaders in this regard.
“A Proper Understanding of the Mediterranean and Cyprus Issues Requires the Accurate Reading of History and Current Crises”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hulki Cevizoğlu, Head of the Turkish Group of AIBPA and Istanbul Member of Parliament, underlined that understanding the Mediterranean and Cyprus issues requires the accurate reading of both history and current crises. He noted that Cyprus is not only an island, but also a center of a cause that was governed with justice for approximately 350 years since 1571. Referring to the fact that energy rights are reshaping geopolitical balances in the present day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cevizoğlu stated that the interventions of superpowers directly impact global energy flows and security. He further emphasized that media and debate programs do not sufficiently analyze these issues and are frequently repetitive in nature.
“Ensuring the Preservation of the Turkish Cypriot People and Securing the Turkish Population and Their Interests on the Island Is of Critical Importance”
In his remarks, the Minister of Economy and Energy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Olgun Amcaoğlu, highlighted the importance of governance and the ability to foresee developments, emphasizing the strategic significance of the island of Cyprus. Amcaoğlu stated that ensuring the preservation of the Turkish Cypriot people and securing the Turkish population and their interests on the island is of critical importance. He noted that the war economy and regional developments should be taken into account, and, after thanking the participants, stated that they will closely monitor the outcomes of the meeting and that they value the perspectives shared at the forum.
Following the opening speeches, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and President of USKAİD and Attorney Selman Yaray presented plaques to the guest speakers. Furthermore, members of Parliament who delivered speeches at the event, presented EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç a souvenir on behalf of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
The first session, entitled “Geopolitics and International Relations,” was conducted under the moderation of Security Expert and Star Newspaper columnist Coşkun Başbuğ. Presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Nurşin Ateşoğlu Güney, Prof. Dr. Hasan Ünal, Prof. Dr. Yalçın Sarıkaya, and Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgöker.
The second session, entitled “Energy, Economy and Law,” was conducted under the moderation of Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova, former Minister of State of the Republic of Türkiye and faculty member of the EMU Faculty of Law. Presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Vedat Yorucu, Prof. Dr. Cemal Zehir, Assist. Prof. Dr. Aylin G. Gürzel Aka, Gökhan Güler, Secretary General of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mediterranean Strategic Research Center, and Dr. Ekrem Teymur, Probabilistic Modeling Expert, who evaluated the region’s energy and legal strategies. The forum concluded with a Plaque Ceremony.
