ROME - Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said on Tuesday that energy should be a means to boost friendship between countries.
Guler, addressing the last session of the 11th International Energy Forum in the Italian capital of Rome attended by nearly 80 countries, referred to geopolitical and geo-strategic importance of Turkey.
Guler said Turkey, with its historical tradition, may assume a role to boost dialogue between civilizations.
In an exclusive interview with the A.A correspondent, Guler said Rome meeting focused on energy investments as well as rise in oil prices. He said the meeting was also very fruitful with respect to the bilateral talks and to listen to the views of other countries on energy investments ad rise in oil prices.
Guler said he met energy ministers of the Netherlands, Yemen and Iraq as well as the executives of companies like ENEL, ENI and Edison.
"Everybody is aware of Turkey`s role on energy. There is a great interest in investments in Turkey. Important companies open offices in Turkey. I have also realized that there is an intensive interest in Turkey particularly on environment-friendly renewable energy," Guler said.
Separately, Guler received Milan Mayor Ltizi Moratti after the meeting.
Moratti asked for contribution from Turkey to EXPO 2015 (to be hosted by Milan) with special energy projects.
Guler will return to Turkey on Wednesday.
(AY)