its status as a critical energy hub is without question. I mean it also has a pivotal role as a steadying influence in the wider Middle East region. Turkey's near neighbors between them possess three quarters of the world's proven petroleum and natural gas reserves. The nation is an essential energy corridor between Caspian, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries and consumer markets in Europe and beyond," Al-Naimi said. "I am gratified to see that Turkey is placing great emphasis on its key role as an energy hub, and increasingly in terms of natural gas. We certainly see gas rising in importance over the coming decades although, of course, oil will continue in its preeminent position for many decades to come. So I am pleased to see that Turkey continues to rise to the challenges, and to balance the range of demands placed upon it. I would like to repeat, for the record, that Turkey's ongoing role in helping maintain the long-term stability of energy supplies is welcomed and its importance should not be underestimated," Al-Naimi added. --More 20:12 LOCAL TIME 17:12 GMT تغريد
