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Direct engagement with Europe is hard, so Russia chose Turkey as potential gas hub — Putin

In Russian President’s opinion, "in this sense, it is easier to work" with Ankara

SOCHI, November 1. /TASS/. Russia has chosen Turkey as a potential hub for gas supplies to Europe because working directly with European partners is hard, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Monday.

"As for the choice of Turkey as a potential hub for supplies, in this case, to Europe, I think it’s clear why we are doing this, why we are proposing this. It’s because direct engagement with European partners is very difficult," the president said.

In Putin’s opinion, "in this sense, it is easier to work" with Ankara.

"First of all, it’s because [Turkish] President [Tayyip] Erdogan is a man of word. Although it may sometimes be hard for us to come to terms, but if we agree on anything, we are trying to fulfill it. And, secondly, together it is easier for us to control the Black Sea area," the Russian leader added.

Speaking at the Russian Energy Week forum last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed creating Europe’s largest gas hub in Turkey and redirecting the volume of gas, the transit of which is no longer possible through the Nord Stream, to this hub. It may imply building another gas pipeline system and creating a hub in Turkey, through which gas will be supplied to third countries, primarily European ones, if they are interested, he said. The issue was discussed at the talks between the Russian and Turkish presidents on October 13 in Astana.

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