Erdogan: "Energy lines should help bring peace and stability"

Energy should not be a matter of competition among countries, but rather an opportunity for cooperation, said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. Addressing the Third World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Erdogan said energy-related issues could be solved through international solidarity and cooperation, and that global issues require global solutions. "Global energy supply security carries great importance for all countries around the world," Erdogan said, stressing the role of clean energy in reducing pollution. "Renewable energy resources should be given more priority in meeting the energy needs of every nation." Explaining Turkey's vision of energy supply lines, Erdogan said, "Energy transportation lines should not only carry various energy resources between countries but also bring stability, security and prosperity." Pointing to what he called historic energy opportunities for nations worldwide, Erdogan said, "These opportunities can be used through international cooperation, solidarity and dialogue. Common solutions can be found for common issues, and only this way can we be hopeful for our future." On the sidelines of the summit, Erdogan met with Dubai Emir Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum. During the closed-door meeting, Erdogan reportedly briefed al-Maktoum on Turkey's foreign policy and his recent talks in Russia, which also included the signing of a nuclear energy cooperation agreement and preparations to relax bilateral visa requirements. Al-Maktoum reportedly praised the economic and diplomatic successes Turkey has seen in recent years, underlining the importance of Turkey's policy of zero problems with neighboring countries. He also said that his country has been closely following Turkey's outreach to the Arab world, its stance on Israel, and its efforts to improve relations with Syria and Greece as well as to normalize ties with Armenia. Erdogan also met with UAE Crown Prince Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and held talks with his Lebanese and Malaysian counterparts, and Greek and Malaysian presidents, who were also at the summit.