Russian PM negotiates energy cooperation in Turkey

Russia's South Stream pipeline rivals a pipeline project known as Nabucco that has the backing of the European Union and the United States and would provide a supply of gas not subject to Russian control, AP reported.

At a signing ceremony in Ankara, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sought to portray the South Stream project as a contributor to Europe's energy security. The deal they signed provides for constructing part of the pipeline through Turkish waters in the Black Sea.

South Stream would eventually run from Russia to Bulgaria before delivering gas to consumers in the European Union.

Putin acknowledged that the Russian plan was in competition with the EU-backed one, speaking in blunter language than Russian officials who have downplayed the pipeline rivalry in the past. But he suggested the two projects could coexist.

"Even with the construction of South Stream, Nabucco will not be closed," Putin said at a news conference. "The more infrastructure projects, the better, because that will create reliability and stability of energy supply to Europe."

Erdogan said even the parallel projects would in the future "not be sufficient for Europe."

Putin described the South Stream talks with Turkey as difficult, but said the two sides also agreed to study the feasibility of expanding their Blue Stream project. Turkey is already supplied with gas from Russia via Blue Stream, a pipeline that opened in 2005 and tunnels under the Black Sea separating the two countries.

Putin and Erdogan also signed other energy deals, including on nuclear cooperation. Turkey is considering a bid by Russia's Atomstroiexport to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant.