Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz on Thursday met with newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Francis J. Ricciardone, Anadolu News Agency reported.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the U.S. diplomat, Yildiz said Ricciardone paid a courtesy visit, adding the meeting discussed ways to improve bilateral ties in energy sector as well as in other areas.
Ricciardone, on his part, said that he talked with Yildiz energy issues and strategic interests of both Turkey and the United States.
"We can meet our two people's needs by working together and we can devise together ways for cleaner, safer and more energy," Ricciardone told reporters.
US President Barack Obama appointed Ricciardone as the new ambassador to Turkey on December 30, 2010 by using his special authority.
Ricciardone, a diplomat who knows Turkey closely, carried out various duties in Turkey previously and has a good command of the Turkish language.