Turkey to pay less for Russian gas

Speaking at a press conference after agreeing to allow Russia to build a pipeline through Turkey, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said that Turkey received a discount on Russian gas to be valid until the end of contract terms in 2021 and 2025. Stating that Turkey has taken considerable advantages thanks to the historic agreements signed with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Yildiz said that new agreements also could be concluded with Russia, provided that they are for the benefit of Turkey. "Although the energy chapter has not been raised in our EU membership talks, Turkey allowed this project to fulfill its requirements regarding energy. After this deal, no project will be left dependent on Turkey's consent," Yildiz said.