Moscow / Anadolu

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the partnership between Moscow and Ankara in the energy sector as moving towards a strategic dimension, during a meeting he held with Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

These statements come at a time when global energy markets are experiencing fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions.

According to a statement issued by the Russian government on Thursday, Novak and Bayraktar discussed, during their meeting in the capital Moscow, prospects for future cooperation in the energy sector.

According to the statement, Novak said that cooperation in the energy sector has gained special importance amid the turmoil in the region and the world, adding: "The energy partnership between Russia and Turkey is of a truly strategic nature."

Novak confirmed that Russia continues to supply Turkey with natural gas and oil reliably, pointing out that the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines are operating at high performance.

He added that the Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom continues construction work on the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Turkey's first nuclear power plant, noting that the project contributes to establishing a new nuclear energy sector in the country.

Novak invited Minister Bayraktar to participate in events of the Russian Energy Week, scheduled to be held in Moscow from October 14 to 16.

It is noteworthy that Turkey inaugurated the first stage of Akkuyu in April 2023, making it Turkey's first nuclear power plant and among the largest investments in the country, under an agreement signed with Russia in 2010.

Russia is Turkey's main supplier of natural gas via the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines. The Akkuyu nuclear plant, being built with support from Rosatom, contributes to Ankara's plans to diversify energy sources. Increased cooperation is expected to bolster Turkey's position as an energy hub in the region. Moscow views this partnership as a pillar of bilateral relations despite geopolitical challenges.