New pipeline project with Azerbaijan major step in west-bound supply, Turkish energy minister says

ANKARA (A.A) - December 26, 2011 - Turkish energy minister has said a new natural gas pipeline Turkey and Azerbaijan had agreed to build would be major contribution to efforts to diversify west-bound energy supply routes. "Trans Anadolu Natural Gas Pipeline is a very important in carrying resources of the East to the West. The agreement is a clear sign that Turkey and Azerbaijan are exerting efforts that countries in the West cannot make," Taner Yildiz told reporters after penning an agreement with his Azeri counterpart for the construction of a pipeline that would transport Azerbaijani natural to Turkey and to Europe. Azerbaijan's national oil and gas company SOCAR, Turkey's state-run Petroleum Pipeline Corp. (BOTAS) and Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) are expected to set up a consortium for the construction of the pipeline. Other international oil and natural gas companies are planned to be allowed to join the consortium. The pipeline will carry natural gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz II project.   Taner said the Trans Anadolu pipeline was not an alternative to other ongoing projects currently under consideration.