Vagif Aliyev, head of SOCAR’s investment department and chairman of the board of directors of Turkey’s petrochemical giant Petkim, commented on WikiLeaks publications, in which Aliyev stressed that gas deal signed with Russia was aimed at showing Turkey that they will not be allowed to create a gas distribution hub.

According to Hurriyet, the Azeri official labeled the publications as a downright lie.

“Azerbaijan has never said it does not want to see Turkey as an energy centre. Can a brother say this against his brother?” Aliyev said.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is interested in purchasing gas distribution networks in Turkey.