Putin Says ‘Europe Can Get Its Natural Gas From Turkey’ As Erdogan, Russia Strive To Make Ankara Gas Hub

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday his country would be working with Russia to make Ankara a "natural-gas hub" amid energy woes in Europe.

What Happened: "We will create a hub here with Turkish gas coming from Russia," Erdogan said, reportedTurkey's Anadolu Agency.

Erdogan's comment comes weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putins plan to sell natural gas to Europe directly was rebuffed. Putin, then, enlisted Turkey's help to sell fuel to the continent.

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Erdogan told members of his AK Party in parliament that "in his own words, Putin announced to the world that 'Europe can get its natural gas from Turkey," the report noted.

Why Its Important: Turkey is a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state and has openly condemned Moscows invasion of Ukraine. However, it also shares close ties with Russia and has not enforced sanctionsor closed its airspace to the country.

Turkeys deal with Putin comes three weeks afterNord Stream Pipeline leaks caused gas bubbles in the Baltic Sea.

Meanwhile, Qatars energy minister has warned that Europe will face tougher challenges next year as reserves are depleted.

This coming winter, because of the storage capacity being full, its fine, said Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, according to Financial Times. Its really replenishing the reserves, or the storage, for next year thats going to be the issue.

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