Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, June 1 / corr. Trend H. Hasanov /
Output of Turkmen energy resources to West is very important, and an agreement on cooperation has been reached in this regard, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said during his visit to Turkmenistan, speaking on cooperation in the energy sphere, Turkmen media reported on Saturday.
Turkish President was on a state visit to Turkmenistan on May 29-31. Ankara's readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields, including in the field of energy was expressed during the talks. The Turkish President said Turkmenistan has substantial energy resources, and attaches great importance to the export of Turkmen gas to Europe via the southern route.
According to him, Turkey also attaches great importance to transport of Turkmen natural gas through its territory. Gul also noted the relevance of projects in the field of gas and electricity in different directions.
Turkish President wished Turkmenistan success with its diversification policy and export of its natural resources. According to the results of the Ashgabat talks between the two countries, an agreement was signed on the delivery of Turkmen gas to Europe via Turkey.
Ankara had previously expressed an interest in the delivery of Caspian energy to Europe through Turkey, and this issue has been on the agenda since the mid-nineties.
In order to bind Turkmen resources to the European direction, it is necessary to lay the pipeline under the Caspian sea with the length of about 300 kilometers, from where fuel may reach Turkey, which shares borders with the European countries. Trans-Caspian project could become part of several large-scale projects such as Nabucco, AGRI, TANAP.
At this stage, the Trans-Caspian project is considered by experts as the most optimal way to deliver Turkmen gas to Europe.