Filenews 28 March 2022
On the occasion of a new statement by the President of Turkey on the prospect of regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the field of energy, the Turkish newspaper "Turkiye" in an article focuses on the views of experts on the exploitation of the region's energy deposits.
The Turkish publication states that "President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements about the action on his return to the NATO summit have aroused curiosity. Erdogan said the new vision with the countries of the region will open new gates for Turkey and said that "I will not announce it at this time. Let us hope that, with these contacts (with neighbouring countries), new opportunities for energy cooperation will emerge.''
Under the title "Peace of natural gas in the Mediterranean, Turkey is at the centre of all routes", "Turkiye" writes that according to experts, the possibility of cooperation on the Turkey-Israel-Egypt Cyprus axis is being discussed.
On the whole issue, Ouzhan Akyener, head of the Turkish Centre for Strategic and Political Energy Research (TESPAM), tells "Turkiye" that "all alternative sources pass through Turkey. Ankara can say, "you will accept my policies." Turkey's positions have become stronger. Turkey can now use the energy equation in its favour in relation to its own foreign policy and pull the West more towards itself."
The Turkish expert adds the following: "The process of rapprochement with Israel can open other doors. In light of the discoveries in the Mediterranean, about 5 billion cubic meters of gas may come from Israel at the moment, 20 billion cubic meters may come from the discoveries in the southern part of Cyprus. The maximum annual production of natural gas has the potential to reach 25 billion cubic meters in an. Mediterranean sea. In addition, new discoveries may be made off Lebanon or Israel. New doors are opening here."
Thus, he said, "Turkey can evolve into the key to new discoveries. On the other hand, due to the lack of gas, the EU may intervene in Greece and 'southern Cyprus'. There are a lot of 'win-win' possibilities in this equation."
CNA
