Written by: Fatima Younis
Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, confirmed that Qatar is considered an important partner in the regional and international energy security equation, noting that the energy sector represents one of the strategic pillars in the relations between the two countries.
Energy is a strategic axis in bilateral relations
The Turkish Minister explained, in statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), that cooperation is based on Qatar's great potential in the production and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the Turkish infrastructure for receiving, storing, transporting, and regasifying gas.
Diversifying supply sources and future cooperation
Bayraktar indicated that his country is working to diversify energy supply sources and not rely on a single supplier or a single geographical route, noting that previous commercial dealings between the Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Company "BOTAŞ" and the Qatari side in the field of LNG supply provide a base that can be built upon to develop cooperation during the upcoming period.
Geographical location and infrastructure as investment opportunities
The Minister explained that Turkey's geographical location and its infrastructure for receiving and redirecting gas provide additional commercial and investment opportunities, emphasizing that Ankara is constantly looking for opportunities to enhance its partnerships with energy-producing countries in a way that serves mutual interests and enhances the stability of supplies.
Geopolitical developments and the security of maritime corridors
He explained that geopolitical developments in the Middle East region directly affect global energy markets, and that energy supply security is closely linked to the security of maritime corridors, freedom of international navigation, and regional stability, noting that the Strait of Hormuz represents one of the most important strategic corridors for global energy trade, and that any disruption in navigation through it could have repercussions on international markets.
Turkey's investments in gas infrastructure
Bayraktar confirmed that the investments implemented by his country during recent years in LNG infrastructure, enhancing storage capacities, and expanding import capabilities have contributed to strengthening the resilience of the Turkish energy system.
Energy security is an element of national security
The Turkish Minister expressed that the challenges witnessed by the global energy sector confirm that energy security is no longer just an economic issue, but has become a fundamental element of national security and the political and economic stability of nations.
Aspirations for the COP31 Conference in Antalya
Bayraktar looks forward to the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled to be held in the Turkish city of Antalya from November 9 to 20, to constitute an important milestone for transitioning from the phase of climate pledges to the phase of actual implementation, especially in the fields of investment in clean energy and the development of energy infrastructure.
