Russia does not foresee any risks to the future of the Turkish Stream project, which will be constructed in accordance to the determined timetable as long as the two parties are interested, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on August 19, 2017, announcing that 170 kilometers of pipes have already been laid under the Black Sea.
At the 86th İzmir International Fair, which Russia is attending as a partner country, and the Turkey-Russia Business Forum, Novak said that the U.S. issued new sanctions against Russia to take advantage of the European natural gas market.
For that reason, Novak said, they do not foresee any risk to the future of the Turkish Stream project, stressing that construction will continue according to the agreed upon timetable.
Pointing out that Europe is very interested in natural gas projects, such as the Turkish Stream and Nord Stream 2, Novak said these projects would increase Europe's energy supply security and supply diversity.
The Russian energy minister also noted that work continues on the Akkuyu nuclear power plant to get the latest licenses, underlining that they hope to get all necessary permits by the end of this year.
«So, we will begin construction in early 2018. After completing construction of the 1st unit, we aim to commission the power plant in 2023 on the 100th anniversary of Turkey,» he said.
Recalling that President Erdoğan and President Putin aim to raise trade volume between the 2 countries to $100 billion, Novak said they want to expand not only in the energy sector but also in other areas.
