President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answers questions on Turkish-Greek relations

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini that there is potential for cooperation in the field of energy in the Mediterranean.

Pointing out that the presence of energy reserves in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean is a matter that can be determined through scientific research rather than his personal opinion, Erdoğan noted that promising studies are being conducted on this subject.

Erdoğan indicated that the Mediterranean and the Aegean are basins rich in natural resources, and stated that ensuring and maintaining energy security has become a strategically essential issue in the current international climate.

In this sense, stating that there is potential and opportunity for cooperation, especially in the Mediterranean, Erdoğan noted that evaluating such potential for cooperation could contribute to both the energy security of regional countries and the resolution of political issues.

Stating that attempts to abuse this potential for political purposes bring with them the risk that these resources cannot be utilized, Erdoğan spoke as follows:

"We believe that energy is an element of cooperation and mutual gain among all countries and societies, and we want to resolve disputes through dialogue. We prefer cooperation and are ready for it. For this reason, I had previously proposed twice that a comprehensive conference be organized for opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the EU, in particular, remained silent on this. Remaining silent does not solve problems. Likewise, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proposed the joint operation and revenue sharing of reserves until a comprehensive solution is reached on the Island, and we support this proposal. While other countries in the region are moving in this direction, why can the two sides on the Island not cooperate? There are many issues we can cooperate on in the Aegean as well. Everything is for the peace and prosperity of our peoples and our future generations."

News Source: 12punto