Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said Monday that his country supports distribution of natural resources in the Mediterranean Sea for both sides of Cyprus.
Turkey's stance towards the situation in Cyprus is like Ankara's policy towards the north and south of Iraq, Yildiz drew the comparison during a speech at the International Mediterranean Energy Conference, organized by Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.
The Turkish Minister also mentioned that he has agreed with Yannis Maniatis, Greek Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change, to continue negotiations and bolster bilateral cooperation in energy field, particularly natural gas pipelines and power grid networks, affirming that his country uses energy for peaceful purposes only.
Last October, the Greek Cypriot administration put peace talks on hold after Turkey sent a research ship to explore oil and gas reserves off the island's southern coast.
Source: KUNA