Russia will be high on the agenda during a Council of Ministers meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development next Tuesday and Wednesday, in light of developments in Ukraine, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the OECD, Ambassador Mithat Rende, has said.
Rende said on Friday that the latest incidents in Ukraine influenced the European economy adversely, and "some ministers will voice concerns over Russia during the meeting".
He noted the Ukraine crisis will have a negative impact on the continent's economy in terms of energy supply security, recalling the 2006 and 2009 natural gas cuts for Ukraine.
The Turkish envoy asserted that his country will have much greater importance over time as an alternative route within the southern gas corridor.
"In the long-term, transportation of Iraqi natural gas and Israeli gas, via Turkey, may come to the table. The European Union now better comprehends Turkey's significance, considering these alternative routes," he said.
During the OECD Council of Ministers meeting on May 6-7 in Paris, Turkey will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan.
The meeting will discuss sustainable development, comprehensive growth, green growth, decline in energy and water resources and the fight against unemployment.
Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci is also expected to attend an unofficial meeting of trade ministers to be held by Australia after the OECD meeting.
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