Erdogan: Turkey Can Contribute To Security Of Energy Supply With Its Projects

ISTANBUL - Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated, ''Turkey is able to contribute to security of energy supply with its important projects.''

Delivering a speech at opening session of the 9th Energy Conference in Istanbul on Tuesday, Erdogan stated that energy became an important issue in international relations after 1970s, noting that security of energy supply has become a significant matter due to recent developments.

Erdogan stressed that there should be close cooperation and dialogue between producers and consumers to improve security of energy supply.

''Several measures should be taken to assure security in transportation routes, determine alternative courses and diversify our sources,'' he said.

Erdogan indicated, ''there has been a busy tanker (carrying oil) traffic in Turkish straits. Everyone should accept that it is not possible for us to live with this threat.''

Stating that Turkey, which was located in a very important crossroads, offered important opportunities to assure security of energy supply, Erdogan stressed that his country could contribute to security of energy supply with its important projects.

Noting that Turkey had an extensive energy vision, Erdogan underlined, ''we aim to make Turkey a transition country in the axes of east-west and north-south.

Erdogan said that there have been important projects in the country, stating that they were also planning to transport Iraqi natural gas to Europe and the United States via Turkey.

-NUCLEAR ENERGY-

Erdogan indicated that Turkey needed basic energy resources, stating that Turkish government aimed to establish three nuclear power plants by 2015 for an energy capacity of 5,000 megawatt.

Noting that Turkish and foreign companies could invest in the country, he said that his government was working to form suitable market conditions for investors.

-GREEK DEVELOPMENT MINISTER SIOUFAS-

On the other hand, Greek Development Minister Demetris Sioufas who also delivered a speech in the conference said that demands in the energy sector necessitated international cooperation.

Stating that natural gas systems between Turkey and Greece would be connected to each other at the beginning of 2007, Sioufas added that Greece would also connect its electricity system to Turkey's.

www.TurkishMaritimeNews.com