Senior US diplomat praises Azeri-Turkish TANAP project

Hochstein was quoted as telling Turkish newspaper Hurriyet that TANAP is a clear example of diversification of

energy supply resources.

"In carrying out the project with Azerbaijan, Turkey once again proves that it is part of Europe," he said.

On the Turkish Stream, the US official said that it is "more a political than an energy project."

TANAP envisions transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field via the Georgian-Turkish border to western borders of Turkey.

TANAP's initial capacity is expected to reach 16 billion cubic metres of gas a year.

Around six billion cubic metres of gas will be delivered to Turkey and the rest will go to Europe.