ArmInfo.The Turkish Stream gas pipeline commissioned the other day will still have its direct and indirect impact on Armenia. A similar opinion was expressed by ArmInfo, the editor-in-chief of the journal "Russia in Global Affairs", Fedor Lukyanov, Director of Research, Development and Support Fund, Valdai International Discussion Club.
On January 8, during the working visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey, the Turkish Stream gas pipeline was inaugurated. It is planned to pump 31.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe annually through a 930-kilometer pipeline. The Turkish Stream consists of two lines along the bottom of the Black Sea. One fuel is supplied to Turkey, another – to European consumers. The depth of the pipeline in some sections is about two kilometers.
"In general, it is rather difficult to make forecasts regarding the possible impact of this large-scale, energy and geopolitical project on the energy system and, accordingly, the foreign policy of Armenia. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the implementation of the Turkish Stream will lead to an indirect energy effect and already direct political influence on the foreign policy of Yerevan, "he stressed.
According to the analyst, given the rather close relations between Moscow and Ankara, this circumstance can and will have an exceptionally positive impact on the regional positions of Armenia as a strategic ally of Russia. According to him, first of all we are talking about the Armenian-Turkish relations and the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
The Turkish Stream, as a new round in the development of relations between Moscow and Ankara in the field of energy, is called upon to change the entire energy structure in the neighboring region. Russia and Turkey have come to this for a very long time and with great difficulties, primarily of a political nature. Nevertheless, this large-scale project is of great importance not only for its parties, but also for European countries. Its implementation is beneficial to almost everyone, "summed up Lukyanov.