Ankara Ready to Discuss Turkish Stream Pipeline Proposals With Moscow

Cooperation in the energy sector remains one of the most important factors underpinning relations between Ankara and Moscow as Turkey is the second-biggest consumer of Russian gas in Europe after Germany, Turkish ambassador to Russia said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Ankara is ready to discuss the construction of the Turkish Stream pipeline across the Black Sea with Moscow, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Umit Yardim said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"Regarding the Turkish Stream pipeline proposed by Russia, this is the new point in our agenda, and work on it is still in a preliminary phase. In general, we are ready to work on all proposals, which will be mutually beneficial," Yardim said.

He added that the project must take into account the needs of the entire region.

"Of course, European gas demand would be the main determining factor," the ambassador said, adding that representatives from Russian energy giant Gazprom recently visited Turkey to discuss the project.

Yardim added that cooperation in the energy sector remained one of the most important factors underpinning relations between Russia and Turkey.

"Turkey is the second-biggest consumer of Russian gas in Europe after Germany. Apart from that, we are building the first nuclear power station in Akkuyu together with our Russian partners. This project alone, worth $20 billion, shows unprecedented levels of trust and mutual willingness to increase cooperation in the energy sector," Yardim said.

On December 1, Gazprom and Turkish pipeline corporation Botas signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of a Black Sea gas pipeline with an annual capacity of 63 billion cubic meters. From Turkey, the gas will be distributed to European consumers. The agreement came after Moscow abandoned the South Stream gas pipeline construction, citing "unconstructive" claims by Brussels that the project violates EU legislation.

As a full-fledged member of the European Union, Turkey would be an example to the bloc of how Muslims and Christians could peacefully coexist, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Umit Yardim told RIA Novosti.

According to Yardim, Islamophobia poses an immediate threat to European values. The ambassador expressed deep concern over the growing support for radical parties in Europe that promote xenophobia and anti-immigrant ideology.

"We hope that the EU is not focused on this trend. In this respect, Turkey's membership in the European Union could be used to convey a powerful message showing how Muslims and Christians could peacefully coexist in Europe," Yardim said.

Yardim stated that Europe should remain multicultural and get rid of extremist views, including biased approach toward Muslims,

Turkey applied for EU membership in April 1987. Talks on the country's accession began in October 2005 but were suspended two years later due to Ankara's position on Cyprus and the opposition of Germany and France towards the country joining the union.

To become a full member of the European Union, Turkey needs to complete negotiations with Brussels on 35 policy chapters and carry out several major reforms to meet EU standards.

On January 28, Turkish European Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir said the country would be ready to join the bloc in two years.