ANKARA, November 21. /TASS/. Russia is ready to provide natural gas to Turkey and third countries through its territory, for which the work is underway on the creation of a gas hub in the republic, Russian Ambassador to Ankara Alexey Yerkhov said in an interview with the Turkish newspaper Yeni Birlik.

"Speaking about energy issues, I would like to note in the first place that Russia has always been and will be a reliable, responsible gas supplier ready to provide this cheap, but highly efficient and environmentally sound type of fuel to the Turkish economy. We are also ready to supply gas to consumers in third countries in transit through Turkish territory, if partners are interested. This was the goal of the proposal to create a regional gas hub here," he said.

The work on the creation of a hub in Turkey is underway, the diplomat said. "Contacts are underway between our competent agencies and entities," he noted.