Armenia and Turkey have wide energy acquaintanceships, so both can carry out various joint energy projects, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan said at the press conference.

He underlined that Armenia will be capable of exporting electricity to Turkey in the near future in case the border opens. “Being one of the largest energy consuming countries in the region, Turkey might be attractive to Armenia energy-wise. At that, it runs huge energy deficit and thus become a good market for Armenia, all the more – we are interested in exporting energy to that country,” Movsisyan stated.

In addition, he pointed out that there are no technical or energy problems for exporting electricity to Turkey. “The issue is of political nature only. Armenian side is ready to export electricity immediately, so it is Turkey’s turn to make a move,” the Minister emphasized, adding that in case of Turkey’s consent, Armenia can export electricity starting April, 2010.

Movsisyan informed that reconstruction of Gyumri switching station will be of immense significance to the export to Turkey. According to him, funding for the station repair operations is already uncovered, and the works start in 2010.

A.G.