EU official congratulates Turkey on natural gas discovery

KARABÜK- Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s major natural gas discovery in the Black Sea announced on Aug. 21 will contribute significantly to the country’s development and economy, said the head of the EU Delegation to Turkey.

During a visit to Karabük in Turkey’s Black Sea region, Christian Berger said he hopes these gas resources can be extracted and made available for use as soon as possible.

"The EU always wants to see Turkey as a country that is stable, democratic, and prosperous," said Berger, whose tenure in Turkey is drawing to a close.

On ties between Turkey and the EU, he said during his tenure the relationship has gone successfully.

"In 2016, when I was assigned to Turkey, relations were in a difficult place. Turkey had serious problems with some member states. Over time, we have done very important work to advance relations," he said.

He said they have been able to establish dialogue in all areas and continue to work on some issues that need to be resolved.

"We hope that relations can go further," he added.

Turkey's major natural gas discovery in the Black Sea is expected to play a critical role in lowering the country's annual $12 billion gas import bill as well as changing the dynamics of the region.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the find as the "biggest gas discovery” in Turkey’s history.

Meanwhile, Palestine and Azerbaijan congratulated Turkey on Aug. 22 for the discovery of major natural gas reserves in the Black Sea.

Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Erdoğan in a phone call, Turkey’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.

He hailed Turkey’s success as Palestine’s success, while Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s support for the Palestinian cause.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, the statement said.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov phoned his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to congratulate him on the significant find, according to diplomatic sources.

In a phone call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Erdoğan, expressing hope that the reserves benefit Turkey, Ankara's Communications Directorate said in a statement.

Erdoğan and Zelensky also discussed regional developments and steps to enhance bilateral relations, the statement added.