Back in September 2011, Turkey signed an agreement on the delineation of the continental shelf with Northern Cyprus to drill for oil and natural gas.

The licence for exploration of oil and natural gas deposits on South-Eastern coast was issued to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).

As an unrecognized republic, Northern Cyprus isn't authorised to issue licences for exploration or drilling of natural resources in any part of the island or surrounding territorial waters. Which means that Ankara is virtually robbing the Republic of Cyprus using its illegal control over the part of the island.