Russia expects timely implementation of Turkish Stream agreements, says ministry

MOSCOW, September 16./TASS/. Russia expects that negotiations on the implementation of the project to build the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, including on an intergovernmental agreement the draft of which has been under consideration of the Turkish side since May, will be resumed shortly, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports in connection with upcoming talks of theRussian and Turkish foreign ministers. It said energy cooperation had a key role in cooperation of the two countries, adding that work on a strategic project to build the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant proceeded in line with the schedule. "April 2015 saw the ground-breaking ceremony at the site for maritime hydraulics of the future plant," it said. "Work continues to train Turkish nuclear specialists," the ministry added. "One of priorities is implementation of the project to build a new gas pipeline under the Black Sea floor [Turkish Stream]," the ministry informed. "We expect a full, consistent and timely implementation of the agreements on creation of conditions for the construction and operation of the first branch of the Turkish Stream," it said. "We expect an early resumption of the process of negotiations, including on an intergovernmental agreement, the draft of which is under consideration of the Turkish side," it added. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is due to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Feridun Sinirlioglu in Russia’s Black Sea resort Sochi on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said. The foreign ministers are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral and international issues. Read more