Commissioner Šefčovič Seeks Stronger Cooperation with Turkey

European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič proposed to Turkey’s Minister Taner Yildiz an increase in cooperation through high-level energy dialogue, the Slovak politician wrote on Thursday on its Twitter account.

Taking part in the first meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku, Vice-President of the European Commission stressed the importance of cooperation to increase security of gas supplies to South-East Europe.  

“EU (is) ready to deliver diversification, and competition benefits also to South East Central European markets. Southern gas corridor (is an) important contribution” reads Šefčovič’s account. 

On the same occasion, the delegations signed a joint statement about the project that will bring Azeri gas to Europe. Officials from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Italy, and Turkey took part to the meeting.  

Turkey confirmed the importance of the project, moving on to capitalise on its geographical position, and increase its regional clout.

Also on Thursday, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented Fatih Birol to the Position of Executive Director of International Energy Agency (IEA), saying that it is a proof of Turkey’s role.  

‘Dr. Birol’s election to the IEA Executive Director with the strong support of all member countries not only points out to his experience and knowledge but also to Turkey’s important role in the global and regional energy scene’ reads a note released on Thursday.