Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) completed a two-day joint military exercise in Northern Cyprus. The Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gönyeli-2023 Search and Rescue Invitation Exercise was conducted with the participation of civilian and military elements from the Search and Rescue Organizations of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) between October 23-27, 2023. 

The exercise took place in two phases, Land and Sea, in the Girne (Kyrenia/St. Hilarion) region and outside the territorial waters of the TRNC in the Turkish Search and Rescue Region, off the coast of Gazimağusa (Famagusta). The aim of the exercise is to test the mutual coordination and functionality of the Search and Rescue Organizations of the Republic of Türkiye and the TRNC through scenarios that could also occur in real situations. It also aims to improve the capabilities to conduct joint search and rescue operations within a comprehensive scenario with broad participation, as well as to identify and address any potential shortcomings.