Turkey Roundup: $30 billion natural gas discovery, Russia–Ukraine talks, $304 million missile sale
Turkey announces $30 billion natural gas discovery in Black Sea
Turkey has discovered a new natural gas reserve of 75 billion cubic metres in the Black Sea, President Tayyip Erdogan announced on May 17. The reserve, located in the Goktepe-3 well at a depth of 3,500 metres, is estimated to be worth approximately $30 billion. According to Erdogan, the find could supply household natural gas needs in Turkey for 3.5 years. The country’s daily production at the Sakarya field has reached 9.5 million cubic metres, supporting its broader energy development goals.
Putin and Trump to skip Russia–Ukraine Talks in Turkey
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming Russia–Ukraine talks in Turkey, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to CNN on May 15. When asked about Putin’s attendance, Peskov replied, “No.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously suggested he might alter his Middle East travel plans to join the negotiations, will also be absent. He stated that Putin’s non-attendance was not disappointing and that no progress on Ukraine would occur until he meets with the Russian leader.
U.S. approves $304 million missile sale to Turkey
The United States has approved the sale of missiles worth $304 million to Turkey, pending Congressional approval. The sale includes 53 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles valued at $225 million and 60 Block II missiles priced at $79.1 million, according to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency. RTX Corporation is designated as the principal contractor. The announcement coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Turkey for a NATO foreign ministers' meeting. He is scheduled to continue to Istanbul for possible ceasefire talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials.
India reviews business ties with Turkey following its support for Pakistan
Turkey was among the few countries that openly backed Pakistan during its recent conflict with India. In response, the Indian government is reviewing its diplomatic and economic relations with Turkey. According to News18, the Modi-led administration is reassessing agreements with Turkish companies across sectors such as automobiles, information technology, metro rail, and infrastructure. According to the report, these contracts are under scrutiny and may be subject to termination.
Turkish Foreign Minister to address U.S. sanctions lift on Syria
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Thursday, May 15, that he will discuss the recent U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, as well as the path forward, during meetings with his American and Syrian counterparts. Fidan made the statement during an informal NATO foreign ministers’ gathering in Antalya, Turkey, where he is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. The announcement follows a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week to remove sanctions on Syria.
