Türkiye seeks partnership with Turkmenistan to develop oil, gas fields

Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Türkiye aims to establish partnerships with Turkmenistan for the development of oil and natural gas fields.

Bayraktar made these remarks during his participation in the “Peace and Security Year: Regional Economic Cooperation for Sustainable Development” International Conference, held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Energy cooperation with Turkmenistan and regional strategic goals

During his visit, Bayraktar met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhammedov.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the energy sector and stated that 2025 has been declared the “International Year of Peace and Security” by the United Nations, an initiative led by Turkmenistan.

Bayraktar stressed the necessity of building long-term partnerships based on mutual trust to overcome the challenges facing the energy sector.

He highlighted that Türkiye’s energy strategy is shaped around two fundamental challenges: energy security and energy independence.

“Türkiye’s energy demand has tripled in the last 20 years, and it is expected to increase by about 5% annually over the next 20 years,” Bayraktar noted.

He also pointed out that before the discovery of the Sakarya Gas Field, Türkiye relied entirely on imports for its natural gas needs, and 90% of its oil demand is still met by imports.

Historical step in energy supply: First gas import from Turkmenistan

Bayraktar also recalled a historic achievement made on March 1 when Türkiye began importing natural gas from Turkmenistan. “This is the first time we are sourcing natural gas from a country that is not a direct neighbor via pipeline,” Bayraktar stated.

He explained that this move is significant not only for diversifying Türkiye’s natural gas supply but also for Turkmenistan’s gas reaching the West and Europe.

Looking forward, Bayraktar expressed hopes that the construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline would enable increased gas flow from Turkmenistan to Türkiye and Europe.

He also noted that significant opportunities exist in the upstream sector that could further strengthen the partnership between the two nations in developing oil and gas fields in Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea.

Expansion of electric power trade and regional energy networks

In addition to gas cooperation, Bayraktar underscored Türkiye’s goal to increase electricity trade with its neighbors.

“We are strengthening existing connections with Bulgaria and Greece, while also developing projects to enhance electricity trade with countries like Georgia, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Syria,” he stated.

Bayraktar mentioned that Türkiye is providing electricity to Syria as part of its efforts to support the country’s reconstruction.

He also noted that the construction of the Trans-Caspian Electricity Line could eventually enable Turkmenistan’s electricity to reach consumer markets, enhancing regional energy integration.

Strengthening bilateral energy projects

Bayraktar met with Batyr Amanov, Deputy Chairman of the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers responsible for oil and natural gas, and Maksat Babayev, the Chairman of Turkmengaz, to discuss the progress of joint energy projects between the two countries.

He emphasized Türkiye’s role not only as a country meeting its own energy needs but also as a key player in regional energy security and supply diversification. Bayraktar stated that increasing cooperation in natural gas trade and electricity transmission is vital for both nations.

“At a time of growing global uncertainties, inter-country solidarity and joint projects are of vital importance. We believe that regional cooperation serves not only economic interests but also long-term investments that promote peace, stability, and prosperity,” he added.