Friday, 9 October 2009
The French president expressed on Friday French companies' eagerness to join the Nabucco natural gas pipeline project.
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy said that French firms were eager to take part in the Nabucco project, and they wanted to cooperate with Turkey in nuclear energy. Sarkozy also said two countries could also cooperate in energy in Central Asia.
The 3,300-kilometer Nabucco pipeline will carry Caspian and Central Asian natural gas to Austria in Europe to reduce EU dependence on Russian gas. Nearly 2,000 kilometers of the pipeline will run in Turkey.
French President Sarkozy met Turkish President Abdullah Gul over a working lunch at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
The two presidents discussed bilateral relations, Turkey-European Union (EU) negotiations and regional issues. Gul welcomed French companies' interest in the Nabucco project, but said it was the consortia that would make the final decision about this issue.
In their meeting, two presidents reiterated their views on Turkey's ongoing EU entry talks. However, they agreed that the difference of opinion should not hamper further improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The two presidents also discussed Turkish-Armenian relations in their meeting. Sarkozy welcomed and supported Turkish government's steps regarding this issue.
The other topics Sarkozy and Gul debated were the Middle East peace process, Syria and Iran. Sarkozy underlined importance of Turkey's role in preserving peace and stability in the Caucasus and Middle East.
Gul is actually visiting the French capital as the guest of French president on the occasion of "Season of Turkey" in France. The "Season of Turkey" activities started in France at the beginning of July with a show of the "Fire of Anatolia" dance group and "Mercan Dede" concert.
Turkey will be promoted by over 400 artistic and cultural activities in more than 70 cities in France for nine months. The "Season of Turkey" aims to contribute to promotion of Turkey's dynamics, creative differences, culture and heritage to the French society.
