Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Sunday, May 5th, 2024

Turkish Energy Projects Unharmed by Row with Russia: Erdogan

Turkish Energy Projects Unharmed by Row with Russia: Erdogan

ISTANBUL - Turkey's row with Moscow over the downing of a Russian jet over Syria has not affected joint energy projects, Turkish President TayyipErdogan said on Saturday.

Russia has imposed trade sanctions against Turkey, including freezing investment projects and restricting food imports, after the Turkish air force last week shot down a Russian fighter bomber near the Syrian border as it took part in the Kremlin's campaign against militants in Syria.

Russia buys about $1 billion worth of Turkish food and other products annually and is Turkey's No. 1 energy provider, shipping gas, coal and oil. It is also due to build Turkey's first nuclear power station in the town of Akkuyu, a deal worth $20 billion.

"There is no sign yet that the problems with Russia will affect projects like natural gas and the Akkuyu nuclear power plant," Erdogan said in a speech to businessmen that was broadcast live by NTV news channel.

He denied Russian assertions that Moscow had suspended talks with Turkey on the planned TurkStream natural gas pipeline project, saying Turkey was the one to halt work.(Reuters)