İstanbul, December 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: Energy cooperation will play a central role in efforts to achieve the $100 billion bilateral trade target set by Türkiye and the United States, US Consul General in Istanbul Michael Lally said, describing Türkiye as a strategic partner in enhancing energy security, supply resilience and competitive pricing.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the 25th World LNG Summit, held in Istanbul from December 2 to 5, Lally said the evolving global supply chain environment and shifting energy markets present practical opportunities for accelerating trade growth. “We talked about how we wish to grow our trade, how we have to work towards that $100 billion goal, and the road there is energy,” he stated, emphasizing LNG as a key pillar of cooperation.
Energy Anchors Trade Expansion
Turkish companies have recently signed multibillion-dollar LNG agreements with US suppliers, reinforcing the central role of energy in bilateral commercial ties. Lally described Türkiye as a “major partner” in securing reliable, competitively priced energy for both markets, noting that LNG collaboration strengthens the long-standing economic partnership.
Türkiye, which hosted the World LNG Summit for the first time on its 25th anniversary, is Europe’s fourth-largest natural gas market, consuming about 60 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually. In 2025 alone, Türkiye concluded long-term LNG contracts amounting to 106 bcm.
The country has significantly expanded its infrastructure, increasing regasification capacity fivefold to 161 million cubic meters per day and boosting storage capacity to over 6 bcm. The state-owned Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ) now imports natural gas from 22 countries and 33 companies, supplying surplus volumes to regional markets.
A Long-Term Strategic Partnership
Lally stressed that Washington and Ankara have cooperated in regional energy matters for decades because they are “natural partners.” Türkiye’s growing energy needs, driven by economic expansion, make it an attractive market for US LNG exports and broader energy cooperation.
“Türkiye needs further energy resources in order to grow its economy, and the United States is there as a reliable partner that provides advantageous commercial terms and a long-term vision,” he said, praising Türkiye’s investments in regasification units and onshore infrastructure.
He added that energy collaboration not only advances the bilateral trade target but also contributes to the shared goal of enhancing energy security and supply stability.
Energy at the Heart of High-Level Engagement
Referring to the “excellent” meeting between the presidents of Türkiye and the US in Washington on September 25, Lally said discussions placed strong emphasis on expanding energy cooperation. “We believe that the energy partnership is the way to go,” he said, highlighting Türkiye’s traditional role as a regional energy hub.
He noted Türkiye’s growing role in supplying LNG to neighboring markets, supported by significant investments in pipelines, storage facilities and regasification terminals. LNG, he said, provides flexible cargo options that benefit both economies and support industrial, commercial and household energy needs.
Expanding Cooperation in Nuclear and Aviation Sectors
Lally also pointed to the recently signed civil nuclear energy agreement between Türkiye and the US, describing it as part of a broader long-term energy partnership. “We are going to be working together on all aspects of civil nuclear cooperation to provide the long-term power needs that Türkiye will require,” he said.
He further highlighted private-sector cooperation in civil aviation, including the agreement involving Boeing aircraft deliveries to Turkish Airlines. Washington, he added, will continue pursuing opportunities in advanced technologies, healthcare and other sectors as part of efforts to reach the $100 billion trade goal.
“We are always very happy to collaborate with our Turkish partners,” Lally said, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to advancing strategic cooperation with Türkiye across multiple sectors.
