Turkish Parliament approved on Thursday a bill on a deal signed by Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey to launch Nabucco pipeline project which will link Europe to the Caspian Sea region, Anadolu Agency reported.
The project is considered a key to reduce Europe's energy dependence on Russia.
Under the law approved by the parliament, Nabucco pipeline will carry Caspian natural gas to Austria through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz told lawmakers that BOTAS, Turkey's petroleum pipeline company, and TPAO, Turkish petroleum company, could create partnerships with international firms.
"Energy diplomacy is like chess. When you see a move, you have to make a move too," he said.