Turkey Day in the gas market

 

Today's acquisition of the Total package in the consortium "Shah Deniz" by TPAO and the share increase of Turkey in the TANAP pipeline project show that Ankara's policies are aimed at becoming a major player in the global energy market, says Associate Professor of the School of International Relations at the University of Economics and Technology TOBB (Ankara), Togrul Ismail."The location of Turkey itself contributes to it. It does not have enough hydrocarbon energy resources. Turkey produces very few of them. This forces it to provide for its own energy security, using its advantageous geographical position and great financial opportunity, and to play an active role in the global energy market," the expert said.Speaking about the deal with TPAO, which increase the share of the Turkish company in the consortium "Shah Deniz" to 19% , he noted that there is nothing unexpected in this."Many wrote that Turkey does not want to be just a bridge to transport, does not want to be just a transit country, but wants to play the role of a major player in the energy sphere. Now she will be able to participate actively in such projects," he said.At the same time, Turkey is attempting to expand ties with Turkmenistan in this area. "On May 26  the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed Turkmen gas. Of course, TANAP is only the beginning. If better relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are achieved, there will be many opportunities," the expert said.