“It is difficult to overestimate the significance of this project. First and foremost: this is another route that will diversify the options for the supply of Russian fuel to foreign countries, including European countries. We saw how our ill-wishers consistently tried to create problems for this project of route diversification ... It is all the more important that the Turkish Stream has been fully operational, ”said Kosachev.
At the same time, he pointed out that the launch of the pipeline demonstrates to the whole world that Russia does not use its energy resources for political purposes.
“This is a factor in ensuring energy security in Europe, and this is a clear demonstration of the fact that Russia has not used, does not use and does not intend to use energy as a political weapon. For us, every gas pipeline built in the direction of foreign partners is an investment, a guarantee that should work, ”the senator added.
The launch of the Turkish Stream, he said, is also important for Russia as a platform for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with Turkey.
“We were able to agree, start, continue and complete this project with Turkey. This is the most important partner for Russia: a country that is part of NATO positions itself as a country in allied relations with the West, but nevertheless it is a country that consistently demonstrates an independent foreign policy, ”concluded Kosachev.
Earlier in Istanbul, the Turkish Stream gas pipeline was launched with the participation of the presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.