US diplomat says energy is the path to $100B trade goal with Türkiye

The United States Consul General in Istanbul, Michael Lally, has identified the energy sector as the critical pathway to achieving a $100 billion bilateral trade goal with Türkiye. Speaking at the World LNG Summit in Istanbul, Lally described Türkiye as a strategic partner for enhancing energy security, supply resilience, and competitive pricing in a shifting global market. "The road there is energy," he stated, underscoring liquefied natural gas (LNG) cooperation as a cornerstone of this economic ambition.

Türkiye's Infrastructure and Market Attractiveness

Lally pointed to Türkiye's significant investments in onshore infrastructure, regasification units, and storage capacity as key factors making it a highly attractive energy market. Türkiye, Europe's fourth-largest natural gas consumer, has increased its regasification capacity fivefold and signed long-term LNG contracts for over 100 billion cubic meters in 2025 alone. Its state pipeline company, BOTAS, now sources gas from 22 countries, positioning the country as a major regional supplier and transit hub.

A Decades-Long Partnership and High-Level Diplomacy

The consul general framed the energy push as an extension of a decades-long regional partnership, now revitalized by high-level diplomacy. He referenced the "excellent" meeting between the two countries' presidents in Washington on September 25, where energy was a central theme. "We believe that the energy partnership is the way to go," Lally said, noting Türkiye's deliberate efforts to position itself as a regional energy hub working closely with American suppliers.

Beyond LNG: Nuclear and Aviation Cooperation

The bilateral vision extends beyond LNG to include civil nuclear energy, following a recently signed cooperation agreement, and aviation, highlighted by Turkish Airlines' deliveries of Boeing aircraft. Lally indicated that Washington would also pursue opportunities in information technology and healthcare to help meet the ambitious trade target. This multi-sector approach aims to leverage Türkiye's economic growth and strategic geography to build a more robust and resilient commercial alliance.