Future of ‘Turkish Stream’ depends on EU: Turkish minister

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

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The future of the Turkish Stream, a gas pipeline project to carry Russian gas, depends on interest shown by the European Union, according to EU Minister Volkan Bozkır.

“Turkish Stream will be composed of three pipelines. One will only be used for Turkey’s internal needs, but the fate of the other two will depend on the interest of the EU,” he said about the project, which will transport the gas through Thrace.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency at the Energy Security Summit in Budapest on April 7, Bozkır said natural gas would be the top energy issue of the future.

By creating its own energy supply security, Turkey aims to contribute to the energy security of Europe, Bozkır said.

He noted that the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) was a strategically important project to such an end, ensuring energy supply security for both Turkey and Europe.

“It is the central link in the Southern Gas Corridor. Turkey values its extensive energy cooperation with Russia. We understand that Russia’s new pipeline proposal has raised interest in the region,” he said. 

“We will be in a better position to make an assessment on this proposal upon the completion of the feasibility study,” he said. 

He said he had evaluated regional energy security and the enrichment of supply routes and sources with Macedonian, Serbian and Greek ministers.

Turkey attaches great importance to the diversification of energy routes and source countries both for Turkey and for Europe, he said at a press conference of Europe’s foreign ministers meeting in the city.

“Standing at a crossroads between major energy producers and consumer markets, Turkey is not only an end market, but has also established itself as a reliable transit country, offering a short, secure and sustainable route for the energy resources of its energy-rich neighborhood,” he said.