MOSCOW
Turkey's ambassador to Russia has announced that the design of a natural gas pipeline from Russia to Turkey is under way.
The move marks the technical launch of the Turkish Stream project announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 1 during his official state visit to Turkey.
Umit Yardim told members of the Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma, in Moscow on Tuesday: "The technological realization of the 'Turkish Stream' project has begun.
"There are questions that need to be worked out, specifically as to how the pipeline will actually be constructed."
"It is also necessary to obtain the required permits in Turkey to construct the pipeline; however, this is just a formality. Turkey considers energy cooperation with Russia to be a critical interaction," he added.
The project is intended to replace the previously planned South Stream pipeline project which was intended to carry natural gas to Europe via the Balkan region.
South Stream was canceled due to objections from the EU over its construction, according to Putin.
