ANKARA - Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said Tuesday that they will soon have important discussions to increase the number of partners and to take concrete steps regarding Nabucco project, a pipeline to transport Azerbaijani and Iranian natural gas to Europe through Turkey.
Guler had a meeting today with Eurogas President Willy Bosmans and Turkish Natural Gas Distributors` Association Mehmet Kazanci.
"Safety of Europe`s natural gas supply will mostly be secured by Turkey and it will enhance Turkey`s added value," said Guler.
Recalling that Turkish pipeline operator BOTAS builds Turkey`s national network, Guler noted that companies, that want to carry natural gas to Europe next year, will have to use Turkey`s national network.
"BOTAS is also carrying out talks with its counterparts regarding Iranian gas, Blue Stream and other alternatives besides Shah Deniz project. These can be Egyptian gas and probably Iraqi gas," he added.
Upon a question on Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline, Guler underscored that this pipeline is indispensable for Turkey.
"We will realize this project whatever it takes," he said.