Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 2
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the EU are creating a working group on energy, the Turkmen State News Agency (TDH) said May 2.
Ashgabat hosted a quadripartite meeting, which was attended by the heads of the fuel and energy sectors of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, as well as representatives of the European Commission, said the agency.
Discussion of priorities for diversification of routes for energy resources to world markets, including those in the European direction, providing for the joint creation of multiple pipeline infrastructures is on the agenda.
The information said that the meeting participants "focused on the fact that such transportation infrastructure will be built in strict compliance with international norms and standards, including those that relate to the safety and protection of the environment, and agreed to create a working group."
In order to ensure principles of equality and mutual benefit in the joint activity, it would be appropriate to establish the corresponding business frameworks, which, according to international legislation and European Union legislation, will be aimed at maintaining long-term supplies of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Europe, according to the participants of the meeting.
A declaration, which reflected discussed issues and which confirmed the desire of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the European Union to continue active cooperation within international organizations on the establishment of effective mechanisms in order to ensure energy security, was initialed following this meeting.
Turkmenistan, which is a key player on the energy market in Central Asia and the Caspian region, has launched several initiatives to ensure the reliable and stable supplies of energy resources to world markets within the framework of the UN.
Every year, Turkmenistan produces about 70-80 billion cubic meters of gas. Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world on natural gas reserves and is looking for new markets, including those in Europe. The export of Turkmen gas across the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Turkey is considered the best route for entering the European continent.