Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu calls for a “fair distribution” of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, accusing Greece of not moving in this direction, while also saying that the conditional purchase of F-16s from the US does not benefit the Turkey.
“We say fair distribution in the Eastern Mediterranean and in Cyprus. Therefore, we are always ready to take positive steps in this matter,” Çavuşoğlu said after meeting with his Qatari counterpart. “But the other side should also agree in this direction, and we don’t see that happening recently.”
Commenting on the proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin to make Turkey an energy centre, the Turkish foreign minister said they are in favour of easing the energy crisis in Europe.
“The weakening of Europe is not for us, but against us. We would like to contribute to the solution. As a result, as our president told reporters, it will have to be looked at carefully and work done,” he said.
The Turkish Foreign Minister said that “there are centres and markets where natural gas prices are determined in London and Germany. It’s a matter of supply and demand. How many European countries are ready to buy natural gas from such a project”
“We have to work together. Then, step by step, there should be an update,” he added.
Regarding the F-16 procurement from the US, Çavuşoğlu said that “the conditional purchase does not benefit us. There must be a result as soon as possible, as this serves NATO and the US itself. Actions have been taken and I believe that the matter will be concluded smoothly.”
“You cannot conditionally use something you buy. The American government and the Pentagon have a positive attitude towards us, but the bill must be finalised.”
Stating that the dialogue with Ukraine and Russia should not be interrupted, the Turkish Minister said that “it is useful to be in contact with both sides. There are issues that need to be negotiated between the West and Russia.”
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