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Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:34:20 -0800 (PST)
Subject: ANKARA: Gul In Moscow With Energy Top Item On His Agenda
GUL IN MOSCOW WITH ENERGY TOP ITEM ON HIS AGENDA
Today's Zaman
Feb 13 2009
Turkey
Defining energy cooperation as the most important item in bilateral
relations between Russia and Turkey, President Abdullah Gul said
yesterday he would seek to diversify the ongoing cooperation in the
field of energy during his talks with senior Russian leaders in Moscow.
"All kinds of opportunities of cooperation on the energy issue will
be reviewed during the visit," Gul told reporters yesterday, ahead of
his departure for the Russian capital for a four-day official visit,
while he voiced willingness to get involved in new pipeline projects
with Russia for the transportation of natural gas and oil. This is
the first visit by Gul, a former foreign minister, to Moscow with
his presidential title.
His visit comes after last month's row between Russia and Ukraine over
natural gas prices that cut Russian gas supplies and raised questions
about the security of Russia's trans-Balkan pipeline that feeds parts
of Europe.
Relations between Turkey and Russia, its largest trading partner,
have been rocky at times, especially after last year's war between
Georgia and Russia, but Ankara will look to the Kremlin to boost gas
supplies to relieve chronic gas shortages and turn the country into
the energy hub it seeks to be.
European Union candidate Turkey has tried to make good on its location
between Europe and some of the world's largest energy reserves to
boost its importance as a transit country for energy supplies headed
to Europe.
Energy hub status, Ankara argues, would give Turkey the right to
charge higher fees for supplies that cross its territory.
Gul was also asked whether he would discuss ongoing problems that
Turkish truck drivers have faced at Russian customs. "We have a
multidimensional and strengthened relationship with Russia, and we're
pleased to see this relationship improving. When relations are wide
and complex to this extent, then problems will naturally occur. These
are technical problems. We'll have the opportunity of removing these
at the highest-level meetings," Gul said in response.
Turkey and Russia agreed last year in September to simplify customs
procedures for Turkish goods at a time when the two countries faced
serious trade problems that emerged after Russia began to impose
tougher inspections on Turkish trucks at border crossings. Gul and
Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, who will accompany the president during
the visit, will have meetings to discuss a wide range of issues,
including the developments in the Caucasus, bilateral relations between
Turkey and Armenia, the recent war in Gaza, other developments in
the Middle East and recent changes in American politics following
the election of Barack Obama as president, as well as cooperation in
combating terrorism.
Subject: ANKARA: Gul In Moscow With Energy Top Item On His Agenda
GUL IN MOSCOW WITH ENERGY TOP ITEM ON HIS AGENDA
Today's Zaman
Feb 13 2009
Turkey
Defining energy cooperation as the most important item in bilateral
relations between Russia and Turkey, President Abdullah Gul said
yesterday he would seek to diversify the ongoing cooperation in the
field of energy during his talks with senior Russian leaders in Moscow.
"All kinds of opportunities of cooperation on the energy issue will
be reviewed during the visit," Gul told reporters yesterday, ahead of
his departure for the Russian capital for a four-day official visit,
while he voiced willingness to get involved in new pipeline projects
with Russia for the transportation of natural gas and oil. This is
the first visit by Gul, a former foreign minister, to Moscow with
his presidential title.
His visit comes after last month's row between Russia and Ukraine over
natural gas prices that cut Russian gas supplies and raised questions
about the security of Russia's trans-Balkan pipeline that feeds parts
of Europe.
Relations between Turkey and Russia, its largest trading partner,
have been rocky at times, especially after last year's war between
Georgia and Russia, but Ankara will look to the Kremlin to boost gas
supplies to relieve chronic gas shortages and turn the country into
the energy hub it seeks to be.
European Union candidate Turkey has tried to make good on its location
between Europe and some of the world's largest energy reserves to
boost its importance as a transit country for energy supplies headed
to Europe.
Energy hub status, Ankara argues, would give Turkey the right to
charge higher fees for supplies that cross its territory.
Gul was also asked whether he would discuss ongoing problems that
Turkish truck drivers have faced at Russian customs. "We have a
multidimensional and strengthened relationship with Russia, and we're
pleased to see this relationship improving. When relations are wide
and complex to this extent, then problems will naturally occur. These
are technical problems. We'll have the opportunity of removing these
at the highest-level meetings," Gul said in response.
Turkey and Russia agreed last year in September to simplify customs
procedures for Turkish goods at a time when the two countries faced
serious trade problems that emerged after Russia began to impose
tougher inspections on Turkish trucks at border crossings. Gul and
Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, who will accompany the president during
the visit, will have meetings to discuss a wide range of issues,
including the developments in the Caucasus, bilateral relations between
Turkey and Armenia, the recent war in Gaza, other developments in
the Middle East and recent changes in American politics following
the election of Barack Obama as president, as well as cooperation in
combating terrorism.