Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the United States his country's main supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the energy sector, including nuclear energy.

Erdogan made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the US business community in New York, Operativ Media reports, noting that joint efforts have finalized important agreements in energy, aviation, and other strategic sectors.

"Today, America is our main LNG supplier. Thus, we are among the leading countries in Europe that prefer American gas. We seek to expand this cooperation to all areas of energy, including nuclear power," the Turkish leader said.

According to him, it is incorrect to evaluate economic relations between Turkey and the US solely on trade figures. He noted the need to form a new model of economic cooperation between the two countries: "I think we need a new model. Once the conflicts in our region end, work will accelerate in five key areas."

According to him, the first area is the restructuring of supply chains. Erdogan noted that companies are no longer just looking for the cheapest options, but more reliable ones: "Turkey, with its developed industrial infrastructure and extensive free trade network linked through the Customs Union with the European Union, is a natural destination for these searches."

Erdogan stated that the second key area is the restructuring of energy routes. Pointing to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the TANAP project, he said Turkey is a reliable corridor for the uninterrupted transit of energy resources.

Pointing to the shifting of trade corridors as the third area, Erdogan noted that the Middle Corridor connecting Asia with Europe, as well as the route linking the Persian Gulf countries with Europe, intersect in Turkey. According to the Turkish leader, large-scale reconstruction work will also be carried out in the region to rebuild roads, ports, power plants, residential buildings, and factories:

"Turkey's contracting sector, which has experience operating in difficult geographical conditions, is the most prepared participant in this process."

He also emphasized that Turkey's defense industry has reached a potential that can ensure the security of supply for allied countries. According to Erdogan, there are vast opportunities for effective cooperation between American businesses and Turkey in all the mentioned areas: "Our representations abroad, especially our investment and financial offices in Washington and New York, are always ready to support you."