Ankara Expects Accelerated Turkish Stream Talks After Putin's Visit

Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak said that Ankara looks forward to positive steps on the Turkish Stream during Vladimir Putin's possible visit to Turkey for the World Energy Congress.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Ankara awaits accelerated talks on the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project after Russian President Vladimir Putin's possible visit next month, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak said Thursday.

"We look forward to positive steps on the Turkish Stream during Mr. Putin's visit to Turkey for the World Energy Congress," Albayrak said at a press conference, referring to the October 9-13 event.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Putin's visit would be announced after all preparatory activities are finalized.

Earlier in September, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he planned to sign the intergovernmental agreement on the Turkish Stream project in October.

Russia’s Gazprom energy company also said this month it had received the first permits through Turkish diplomatic channels to construct the offshore section of the gas pipeline, and that the project was advancing to its practical implementation stage.