The Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak argued that the execution of the first section of Turkish Stream gas pipeline should be completed by December 2019. The announcement comes a day after the conversation between Vladimir Putin and Recep Erdogan, who opened a new chapter in the Turkish-Russian bilateral relations, reports Hurriyet Daily News.

“The deadline will be somewhere in 2019. Construction will be complete by then, given that our project shows us this term,” said Novak quoted News.ro. Also, the Turkish authorities intend to accelerate the implementation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project, in collaboration with Russia.

“Turkish Stream will be done faster with Russia, after a careful assessment,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The giant Gazprom has begun the negotiations with the Turkish side regarding the resumption of building the pipeline. “They have already started today. The Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller discussed with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey, Berat Albayrak, and with the representatives of the Turkish company. Today we received again the confirmation that the Turkish side is interested,” said the Russian official.

Also, the Russian executive is interested in accelerating the process of obtaining an intergovernmental agreement and a clear project. The construction of the first section of the pipeline will start after obtaining the necessary permits.