Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Polat discussed with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi the economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Polat said in a post on the “X” platform that he held discussions with the Emirati minister in a phone call that took place between them on Thursday.

He stated that he agreed with Al-Zeyoudi to accelerate the necessary steps to increase the volume of trade between the two countries and increase investments through the opportunities provided by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

He added: “The economic relations between Turkey and the UAE have a multi-dimensional structure that includes trade, investment, energy and tourism, and we will continue to work to further strengthen our economic relationship.”

The two ministers also exchanged congratulations on Eid al-Fitr, the first day of which fell yesterday, Wednesday, according to the same publication.

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A Russian official said on Wednesday that his country is discussing with Turkey the possibility of building a second nuclear power plant in the northern state of Sinop.

This was reported by Kirill Komarov, Deputy Director General of the Russian Nuclear Energy Corporation “Rosatom” during a press conference in Sochi.

Komarov expressed Russia’s desire for the experience gained from the Akkuyu nuclear station project in the southern Turkish state of Mersin to be reflected in the construction of the next station in Sinop.

He stressed that the Akkuyu nuclear station is one of the very important projects for Russia in terms of responsibility and investment.

He added that all four units are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028, noting the intensive work on the first unit.

Komarov pointed out that they are all looking forward to the moment when the Turkish electricity grid will be supplied with the first stream of nuclear energy.

He explained that the Turkish economy is developing at a good level and that the need for electricity increases every year, and accordingly, setting goals for the development of nuclear energy in Turkey is a very positive step.

Akkuyu is Turkey’s first nuclear power plant and one of the largest investments in the country.

In addition to Sinop, Ankara is also holding discussions with China regarding the establishment of a third nuclear power plant in the Thrace region, northwest of the country.

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Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said that his country reached the highest recorded rate of electricity production from wind energy, at 28 percent, on January 7.

Bayraktar added in a post on the X platform on Wednesday: “We are breaking new records with our installed capacity from renewable energy sources.

Which is increasing day by day. On January 7, 2024, we reached the highest rate of electricity production from wind energy on record, at 28 percent.”

Turkey’s electricity production from wind energy reached its highest level ever on January 7, reaching 218 megawatts per hour.

The share of wind in the total electricity production reached 28 percent, while the electrical energy produced from all sources in Turkey reached 778.5 megawatts per hour.

The last record for electricity production from wind was 203,69 megawatts per hour on April 3.

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Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said that his country plans to become self-sufficient in the field of energy during the next three decades, announcing that oil production in mountain Gabar (east) has exceeded 30 thousand barrels per day.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources stated in a statement that Bayraktar held a meeting with a group of Turkish youth in the capital, Ankara, in which he answered their inquiries about topics related to the country’s work in the field of energy.

According to the statement, Bayraktar explained that one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s goals for the “Century of Turkey” is energy independence.

He added: “Therefore, we have a definitive goal in energy, which is to make Turkey completely independent (self-sufficient) in the field of energy and save it from the import problem in the ‘Turkey Century,’ and we hope to achieve this within the next thirty years.”

The “Century of Turkey” is a vision announced by President Erdogan in late 2022, which includes the programs and goals of the Republic in its second centenary.

Bayraktar stressed that independence in the field of energy means Turkey’s independence, and that Turkey’s security in this field is an issue equivalent to Turkey’s national security.

He pointed to President Erdogan’s announcement of the discovery of a natural gas field off the coast of the Black Sea in August 2020, which is the largest in the country’s history, with a volume of gas that may meet between 25 to 30 percent of Turkey’s needs.

In late 2022, Turkey announced the discovery of an additional 170 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the Black Sea, bringing the total volume of discoveries to 710 billion cubic meters.

The Turkish Minister also referred in the context to the discovery of an oil reserve in the state of Şırnak (east) in May 2023.

He said: “We found crude oil in mountain Gabar and are extracting oil from the region. The daily production extracted from Gabar has exceeded 30 thousand barrels.”

Last May, President Erdogan announced the discovery of an oil discovery with a production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day in the state of Şırnak.

He added at the time: “I would like to announce new good news. We have discovered an oil field with a production capacity of up to 100,000 barrels per day in Gora Gabar.”

According to monitoring data from Turkey’s Mediterranean Program for the years 2024-2026, Turkey’s energy imports rose to a record level, recording $96.5 billion in 2022, accompanied by the impact of the sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which caused commodity prices to rise in the aforementioned year.

However, the decline in energy prices during the current year 2023, according to the same data in September of this year due to the increase in gas reserves in Europe and weak demand for it in China, Turkey’s energy imports decreased by 26.2 percent in the period from January to July. 2023 compared to the same period last year, declining to $41 billion.

In parallel, estimates based on data indicate that Turkey’s energy imports will decrease by 26.4 percent in 2023 compared to 2022 and decline to $71 billion.

It is expected that these imports will reach $77.3 billion in 2024 and $76.3 billion in 2025.

The post Bayraktar: We plan to be self-sufficient in energy within 30 years appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country has never viewed its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary, and that there are no unsolvable problems with its neighbors.

This came in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini regarding relations between Ankara and Athens, ahead of an official visit he intends to make to Greece tomorrow, Thursday, December 7.

Erdogan referred to many outstanding issues between Turkey and Greece, stressing that the two countries are aware of this, but whether or not to allow these problems to raise tension between the two governments and the two peoples is also in the hands of the two countries.

He explained that in this context he recently spoke about “opening a new page” and the “win-win” principle in relations between Turkey and Greece.

He stressed that the “win-win” principle lies at the core of Turkey’s approach to international relations and diplomacy.

Erdogan stressed that addressing differences through dialogue and meeting on common ground will benefit everyone.

He pointed out that Turkey and Greece have recently gained good momentum regarding shaping their relations within the framework of this approach.

He added: “The channels of dialogue between us are open and operating at all levels, and our mutual visits are also intense. We have the desire to develop our cooperation in many important areas for our two countries and our region on the basis of mutual trust.”

He continued: “Now, it is the responsibility of both parties to strengthen this approach, institutionalize it, and advance it further.”

He expressed his belief that “Mr. (Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos) Mitsotakis also has the same will.”

Erdogan stated that this common intention will be clearly recorded thanks to the declaration on friendly relations and good neighborliness scheduled to be signed in Athens tomorrow, Thursday.

He stressed that Turkey has never viewed its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary. “We, like all countries, need friends, not enemies.”

Erdogan added: “I say it frequently; we believe that we do not have any insurmountable problems with our neighbors, especially Greece.”

He said: “I think what has changed recently is that the Greek side reconsidered its point of view towards us and began to understand that we are a people who never reject the hand of friendship extended to them.”

He stressed that Turkey never hesitates to respond to attempts to target the security of its people, the integrity of its territory, and its national interests, and at the same time it is open to enhancing cooperation and friendship.

He pointed out that Mitsotakis understood this matter and was able to see Turkey’s sincere desire to overcome existing problems and improve relations with Greece.

Erdogan explained that he was happy to observe a similar approach in Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

Erdogan added that there are many problems between the two countries in addition to the issue of the continental shelf, and that they must be viewed together in one package.

He stressed that addressing issues selectively, talking about some and leaving others is not a correct approach because they are all interconnected.

He continued: “We must not leave any problems behind when we resort to international justice, but above all we must speak about all our problems with courage and direct public opinion correctly.”

He said that if Greece offered a similar approach to Turkey, away from foreign interference, a good start could be made towards building a peaceful future for both countries.

Regarding cooperation in the field of energy, Erdogan stressed that there are opportunities and potentials for cooperation between the two countries in the Mediterranean, and that benefiting from them can contribute to the energy security of the countries of the region and the resolution of political issues.

He stressed that attempts to exploit the potential here politically will bring with it the risk of being unable to use the region’s potential energy resources.

The Turkish President added: “We believe that energy is an element of cooperation and common profit between all countries and societies, and we want to resolve differences through dialogue. We prefer cooperation and are ready for it.”

He continued: “For this reason, I had twice proposed organizing a comprehensive conference on the opportunities available in the eastern Mediterranean, but it is unfortunate that the European Union at the forefront has remained silent about this matter, and silence does not solve problems.”

He added: “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also proposed that the reserves be operated jointly and revenues be shared until a comprehensive solution is reached on the island, and we support this proposal.”

He said: “What prevents the establishment of cooperation between the two parts of the island at a time when other countries in the region are moving in this direction?”

He also pointed out that there are many issues on which the two countries can cooperate in the Aegean Sea, adding: “Everything for peace and prosperity for our peoples and future generations.”

He continued that the Turkish Republic, which was established on the foundations of tolerance and embracing other cultures, continues to this day to work with a system that protects endowment institutions and their rights and transfers them to the future, pointing out that the endowment that owns the Hagia Sophia Mosque still exists today.

Regarding illegal immigration, Erdogan pointed to the increase in the migration movement in the world for several reasons, most notably political instability, which has led to an increase in the spread of criminal networks that exploit this and achieve very high profits from illegal immigration.

He added: “I say it again that no country can combat illegal immigration alone,” noting that it is a common test for countries that requires joint efforts.

He stressed the need for the European Union to support Turkey in this regard, stressing that it is necessary to share burdens and responsibilities and take joint steps to prevent migration at its source.

He stressed that the fight against migration should not be limited to cooperation between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean Sea, but rather there is a need for a broad struggle that requires the participation of the entire international community.

We have become the voice of justice and conscience in international relations

President Erdogan pointed out that Turkey and Greece joined NATO together 71 years ago, pointing out that the criterion of being Western or European is not enough to join the European Union.

He explained that Turkey is a founding member of many international organizations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

He stressed that Turkey always stands on the side of justice and the voice of conscience in international relations, stressing that one of his country’s most prominent goals is to stand in the right place throughout history.

He added that Turkey’s standing by the Palestinian people who are being subjected to persecution and inhuman treatment, and its criticism of Israel for violating international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights, are considered a natural necessity for its goal (to stand in the right place throughout history).

He pointed out that some European countries have begun to take increasingly similar positions.

He stressed that “instead of discussing Turkey’s orientations and affiliation, we should discuss the fact that some Western countries sometimes ignore the values that they strongly defend.”

He continued, “The silence on the brutality in Gaza is the most prominent example of this. In fact, by opposing the genocide in Gaza, we are also defending the basic values of Western society.”

He added: “The basic rights of the people of Gaza of all ages are being violated. Where are the values of Western civilization in terms of silence about blatant human rights violations, ignoring people’s property rights, systematically confiscating their homes and lands, and depriving Palestinians of their right to determine their future?”

He added: “Is bombing hospitals, shooting schools, refugee camps, markets, and killing civilians consistent with Western values? Is it acceptable for the West to ask people in Gaza to ‘go south’ and drop bombs on those who go there?”

President Erdogan concluded by saying: “Now I ask: Is Turkey the one who belongs to the West or the Western countries that are deliberately silent about everything that is happening in Gaza?”

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The Algerian fuel company Sonatrach (government) discussed on Sunday long-term commercial relations with the Turkish company BOTAŞ within the framework of contracts for the sale and purchase of liquefied natural gas and ways to expand the partnership between them.

This came according to a statement by Sonatrach.

The statement stated that “President and CEO (CEO) Rachid Hachichi met today at Sonatrach’s headquarters with the President and Director General of BOTAŞ Company, Abdel Wahed Fidan, in the presence of executive officers (cadres) of the two companies.”

It added: “During the meeting, the two parties discussed the long-term commercial relations existing between Sonatrach and BOTAŞ, which fall within the framework of contracts for the sale and purchase of liquefied natural gas.”

It continued: “Following this meeting, the two partners agreed to strengthen their commercial relationship. They also used this occasion to discuss the possibility of expanding their partnership and exploring new business opportunities.”

The statement pointed out that Sonatrach has been supplying Turkish BOTAŞ with liquefied gas since 1988.

At the beginning of 2020, Algeria renewed the contract to supply liquefied natural gas to Turkey in quantities reaching 5.4 billion cubic meters annually, extending until 2024.

A few days ago, Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi said at an energy conference in Italy that the company’s gas production amounted to 130 billion cubic meters, of which 45 billion were destined for internal consumption and the rest for export.

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Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline, which was damaged by the February 6 earthquake, is ready and will resume work this week.

This came during his speech at the opening session of the “Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2023,” held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

Bayraktar explained that Turkey has long been a reliable route for oil and natural gas, noting that two million barrels of oil pass daily through the Turkish straits currently.

He added that the Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline, which has been active for about 45 years, has a daily capacity of 500,000 barrels of oil.

He pointed out that once the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline is operational, it will be possible to supply 500,000 barrels of oil to global markets.

Bayraktar stated that Turkey ships large quantities of gas to Europe through the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).

He continued, “We currently send gas to Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova via the Western Balkans pipeline. We have become a natural gas hub.”

Bayraktar explained that Turkey, which aims to reduce its dependence on abroad in the field of energy, is focusing on investments in oil, gas and renewable energy and believes that nuclear energy investments are an important tool for reducing carbon emissions.

Minister Bayraktar is expected to meet with government officials in the UAE and senior executives of the world’s leading energy companies on the sidelines of the exhibition.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that the terrorist attack that took place on Sunday morning in the capital, Ankara, represents “the last breath of terrorism.”

This came in a speech he delivered on Sunday during his participation in the opening of the second legislative year of the 28th session of the Turkish Parliament.

Erdogan said in this regard: “The operation that took place this morning, during which two killers were neutralized as a result of the timely intervention of our security forces, represents the last breath of terrorism.”

He added in this context: “The villains who targeted the safety and security of our citizens did not succeed in achieving their goal, and they will never succeed.”

Erdogan stressed that his country’s forces will continue the struggle with all determination until the last terrorist is eliminated at home or abroad.

Erdogan said that his country wants to eliminate the presence of the terrorist organization (PKK) outside its borders as well.

He added: “We will not allow the terrorist organization to direct politics and obstruct the sacred process of our country.”

He added: “The strategy of protecting our entire southern border with a security strip at least 30 kilometers deep and keeping terrorist activities outside this strip under absolute control is still ongoing.”

He touched on the issue of preparing a new constitution for the country, saying: “The people who defied the weapons of the coup plotters on the night of July 15, 2016 deserve to crown their democratic struggle with a civil constitution.”

He added: “Now we have a new mission and a new opportunity before us, which is to give our country a new, civil constitution, and our primary responsibility is to save Turkey from the current constitution that the administration of the September 12 (1980) coup imposed on our nation 41 years ago.”

He pointed out that the current constitution has been amended more than twenty times until it has become flabby, indicating that it is no longer able to keep pace with modern Turkey.

Erdogan called on all political parties and organizations to participate in preparing the new constitution.

He continued: “Just as the Gulen terrorist organization will not see the light of day again in Turkey, it is also impossible for similar organizations to commit new betrayals.”

In another context, Erdogan said that the European Union should not expect anything from Turkey “if it does not reverse its mistakes, most notably the visa issue” (not lifting it from the Turks).

Regarding the economic situation, Erdogan said: “The consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which upset the balance of the global economy, are evident in different aspects every day.”

He pointed out that inflation rates around the world have reached their highest levels in the past 60 to 70 years, and that there are serious problems in every area from food to energy and from trade to employment.

Erdogan stated that there is no country in the world, including developed countries, that can see the future clearly, indicating that Turkey is inevitably affected by these negatives.

He said: “Our goal is to get our country out of this sensitive period with the least loss and the greatest gain.”

President Erdogan explained that the country’s development strategies through investment, employment, production, exports and current account surplus continue to form the backbone of his government’s economic policy.

He continued: “We should never forget that the success of the Turkish economy increases everyone’s quality of life, and the opposite creates a situation that makes everyone pay the price.”

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Turkey intends to export two million cubic meters of natural gas daily to Moldova, starting from the beginning of next October.

The Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Company (BOTAŞ) announced the signing of an agreement to export natural gas with the “East Gas Energy Trading” company, which plays an active role in the region, especially in the energy market in Moldova.

The company indicated in a statement published on Thursday that the signing of the agreement took place during a ceremony held today by the Chairman of its Board of Directors and General Manager, Burhan Ozcan, and the General Manager of East Gas Energy Trading, Nikolay Gaborak.

The statement stated that the process of supplying Moldova with two million cubic meters of natural gas per day will begin as of next October 1 through designated pipelines.

The Turkish company has previously signed similar important agreements to export natural gas with Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, and is continuing talks with other parties.

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Turkey is preparing to export up to 4 million cubic meters of natural gas per day to Romania, starting from the beginning of next October.

The Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Company “BOTAŞ” announced in a statement on Wednesday the signing of an “important agreement” with OMV Petrom, one of the largest energy companies in the region.

The company said that the agreement allows Romania to be supplied with up to 4 million cubic meters of natural gas per day through dedicated pipelines.

It indicated that the export of natural gas will begin as of October 1, 2023 within the framework of the agreement, the term of which expires on March 31, 2025.

According to the statement, the two sides also agreed to develop cooperation in the fields of transportation, storage, production, and green energy technologies, in addition to natural gas trade.

By adding Romania to the countries that supply it with gas, BOTAŞ strengthens its contribution to ensuring the security of energy supplies and its diversification in neighboring markets and Europe.

The Turkish company has previously signed similar important agreements to export natural gas with Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary, and is continuing talks with other parties in this regard.

The statement stressed that BOTAŞ is moving forward with confident steps towards achieving its goals within the framework of the “Century of Turkey” vision.

It explained that the company aims to be among the top 10 exporting companies in Turkey during the next three years.

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