The Lieutenant Caner Gönyeli 2023 Search and Rescue Exercise carried out jointly by Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) kicked off today.

The exercise began today with the participation of civilian and military elements at the Yüzbir Evler, St Hilarion.

The second, maritime phase, will take place off the coast of Gazimağusa tomorrow.

The aim of the exercise is to protect the rights and interests of Türkiye and the TRNC in the Search and Rescue (SAR) area in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It also aims to assist in the official registration and strengthening of the sovereignty of the TRNC, and to draw public attention to the value that is given to search and rescue activities and to SAR region boundaries.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Major Gen. Osman Aytac, the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces said search and rescue activities required professional personnel, good organization, close coordination, and cooperation.

He added that the TRNC search and rescue teams have carried out 112 search and rescue missions since 2002.