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International energy hub in Turkey to being operation this year — Minister of Energy

"Representatives of all states that we discussed this issue with have stated their readiness to support the project," Fatih Donmez points out

ANKARA, February 4. /TASS/. The works on creation of a gas hub on Turkish territory have entered their final stage, and the first trade operation on this platform is expected to take place this year, says Turkish Minister of Energy Fatih Donmez.

"The works on creation of the Natural Gas Distribution and Trade Center are approaching their end. We are getting ready to carry out the first trade operation this year," the Minister, who is currently in Baku, said, according to Anadolu.

He disclosed that negotiations on participation in the project have been carried out with a number of countries.

"Representatives of all states that we discussed this issue with have stated their readiness to support the project," Donmez said.

The idea to create a gas hub in Turkey was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in October last year. According to the Russian President, it is possible to build another pipeline system to replace the lost Nord Stream pipeline and to create a gas hub in Turkey, which will distribute gas to third countries - primarily European, if they are interested in that.

The gas hub idea was repeatedly discussed by the Presidents of Russia and Turkey. In January, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that the preparation of the roadmap for the project will be finalized shortly, after which practical steps on its implementation will begin.

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Oil & Gas Turkey

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