Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday began two days of joint military exercises in the TRNC.

On Tuesday the land phase of the Martyr Ensign Caner Gonyeli-2023 Search and Rescue Invitation Exercise began with the participation of civilian and military elements.

Today (Wednesday), the sea phase of the exercise began off the coast of Gazimağusa.

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.

Seven countries – Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Philippines, Kosovo, Qatar, Libya, and Pakistan – are attending the exercise as observers.

Speaking at a press briefing, Maj. Gen. Osman Aytac, the TRNC’s Security Forces commander, said search and rescue activities require 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.