Turkey's first drilling in Eastern Mediterranean this summer: Minister

Turkey's energy minister predicts country will start solo oil, gas drilling in Eastern Mediterranean before end of summer
Friday, 11 May 2018 18:54

Turkey could start carrying out oil and gas deep-sea drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean on its own for the first time before the end of August, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak said on Friday.

Resources in the Eastern Mediterranean have caused friction between Turkey and Republic of Cyprus. Earlier in 2018, Republic of Cyprus launched exploratory drilling activities for gas in the Eastern Mediterranean despite strong opposition from Ankara and Northern Cyprus.

TANAP TO START ON JUNE 12

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's son-in-law Albayrak predicted that the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections would usher in a new era for Turkey.

Albayrak also said the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) that will deliver gas from Azerbaijan to Europe via Georgia and Turkey would launch on June 12.

"The opening ceremony will be held with the attendance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on June 12," he said.​