European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences Department of International Relations organized a conference themed “Geopolitical Importance of Mediterranean Region”. The Vice Rector of Altınbaş University and Academician of International Relations Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kasım Han participated the conference as a speaker. Han touched upon the Geopolitical Importance of Mediterranean Region.

One of the most serious centres of struggle today is the Mediterranean Region

In his talk titled “Jeopolitics of Mediterranean” Han mentioned the geopolitical importance of the Mediterranean region, the inter-continent interaction processes, Russian and Chinese policies towards the region and current geopolitical developments. Stating that continental power struggles are moving towards the West in the historical process, Han underlined that one of the most serious centres of struggle today is the Mediterranean Region. He said that struggles for hydrocarbon reserves in the region are likely to have long-term consequences.

Addressing the issue of Exclusive Economic Zone, which also closely concerns the TRNC, Han pointed out that different countries are trying to limit the economic areas of Turkey and TRNC in accordance with the maps and scenarios they have designed. He went on to say that Greece, which is acting in partnership with the Greek Cypriot Administration, intends to gain a great dominance in the Mediterranean region. Han also touched upon the agreements signed between the countries of the region, particularly the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, on maritime restrictions and emphasized that the countries of the region acting with the understanding of competition have made the Eastern Mediterranean increasingly unstable and underlined the need for understanding and cooperation rather than competition and conflict in the region.

The conference, which attracted great interest from the students of the European University of Lefke, ended with a question and answer session.