Turkish Energy Minister: Oil exploration operations in the Black Sea to begin soon

Istanbul, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Wednesday that his country is preparing to begin exploration and drill an exploratory oil well in the western Black Sea. Bayraktar, in an interview with CNBC television, confirmed that drilling operations would start soon, describing the process as difficult and time-consuming. He added that cooperation with Canada on the second and third planned nuclear power plants in Turkey is progressing rapidly, expressing hope for greater clarity on the matter in the coming months. The Turkish minister noted that Ankara is still holding talks with China, Russia, and South Korea regarding nuclear power plant projects in northwestern Turkey. Earlier, Turkey announced its intention to drill six exploratory wells in the western, central, and eastern Black Sea by 2026 as part of efforts to discover new oil and natural gas resources. Turkey has intensified exploration activities in the Black Sea following a series of gas discoveries that have bolstered hopes of increasing domestic production and reducing reliance on energy imports. The Turkish government continues to develop the necessary infrastructure to boost domestic gas output alongside exploration for new resources in other areas of the Black Sea. (End) T.A. / F.S.