Turkish Petroleum Corporation's cooperation with Shell energy company proof of Turkey's credibility, says Minister Yildiz

ISTANBUL (A.A) - Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said Friday that Turkish Petroleum Corporation's (TPAO) cooperation with British Shell energy company in oil and natural gas exploration on land and in seas was proof of Turkey's credibility. Speaking to the AA in Istanbul, Minister Yildiz said that "our cooperation with Shell is an indication that, after the Black Sea, we will focus on the Mediterranean. I believe that this cooperation should not be viewed as a political one". Touching on the 'Trans Anatolia Natural Gas Pipeline' project, Yildiz said that this project would be realized with the cooperation of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). The 'Trans Anatolia Natural Gas Pipeline' project will make it possible to realize the projects of 'Turkey-Greece-Italy Natural Gas Pipeline' project as well as 'Trans Adriatic Project' and bring down costs, Yildiz said. The 'Trans Anatolia Natural Gas Pipeline' project will contribute to the security of energy supply to EU countries, Yildiz also said.