ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz on Friday said that the source of renewable energy in Turkey was twice as much as the EU average.

Speaking at the Turkish-German Energy Forum in Ankara, Yildiz stated that "25-26 percent of Turkey's energy was renewable and we want to raise it to 30 percent".

"Germany is a country where all stones are on the right place. Germany completed infrastructure works years ago. They have come to an important point not only in Europe but the whole world," Yildiz said.

"Turkey has grown in recent years. Our investments in the energy sector have doubled. Public investments have been shared with the private sector," Yildiz emphasized.

"Turkey has changed thanks to the efforts of the Turkish government in the last 10 years. Energy policies did not get changed according to governments but have became state policies. There are no longer any problems associated with the energy supply security in Turkey," Yildiz noted.

"Turkey may be able to save 20 percent of the energy it consumes by the year 2023," Yildiz pointed out.

"Source of renewable energy in Turkey was twice as much as the EU average. It was around 25-26 percent. At this time, one fourth of our energy needs are met by renewable energy. We plan to raise the level of renewable energy to 30 percent by 2023," Yildiz indicated.

Touching on Turkey's geographical position, Taner Yildiz stressed that they could make crucial cooperation in the region.

Turkey has gained political stability and made it sustainable, Yildiz stated.

Turkey and Germany are determined to turn the decisions taken at the Forum into action, Yildiz also said.

-Germany ready to assist Turkey for renewable energy, said German vice-chancellor-

German Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic and Technology Philipp Roesler on Friday said that conditions were excellent for renewable energy in Turkey.

Speaking at the Turkish-German Energy Forum in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Friday, Roesler indicated that Germany was ready to assist Turkey for renewable energy and that they wanted to contribute to Turkey.

"Of course, legal arrangements (in Turkey) must be made for that purpose," Roesler stressed.

"I have come to Turkey with the representatives of more than 50 German companies. This number could have been bigger if we had more seats. This is my first time ever travelling with such a large delegation. Our visit is an indication of the importance we attach to the Turkish economy," Roesler underlined.

"Turkish economy has achieved great things in the last 10 years and this was no coincidence. We want to see long term relations with Turkey and could cooperate in many fields in this direction," Roesler noted.

"We discussed the issue of modernizing energy power plant parks, handled the issue of energy efficiency and talked on renewable energy," Roesler said.

We would like to make contributions to the Turkish economy in the field of renewable energy, Roesler stated.

"We know that the Turkish government wants to save itself from being dependent on energy. This would make a positive contribution on the current account deficit. We have great experiences on renewable energy. Conditions are excellent in Turkey for renewable energy. It is possible to increase efficiency with the use of wind and solar energy. We are ready to assist in this regard," Roesler noted.

"All legal arrangements must be ready for such a cooperation. We will discuss legal arrangements at the next Turkish-German Energy Forum," Roesler expressed.

"All businesspeople who have come here wish for a stable cooperation. We will work in confidence according to new laws to be made. This would make financing easier. Accordingly, the banks will have more confidence in Turkish-German projects," Roesler stressed.

"Legal arrangements are crucial and we are pleased with the talks we held on the matter," Roesler said.

"We would like to establish long term partnership with Turkey in all fields, including energy. The Turkish side wishes to see Germany's works conducted for energy efficiency," Roesler noted.

"The next forum would take place in Germany in 2014. Germany will hold elections in September and I do hope to host you as a minister in 2014," Roesler stated.

-"We understand Turkey's interests (in Customs Union)"-

Roesler answered questions of the press corps after his speech.

Answering a question on Germany's stance on Turkey's concerns about a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and the US, Roesler underlined that he had a chance to meet the Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Cagyalan.

"I listened to Caglayan's criticisms on this issue. It is the European Commission which holds talks with the US. Every bilateral FTA affects the Customs Union," Roesler said.

"I speak while considering the interests of my country. However, I do understand Turkey's interests well. I told Mr. Caglayan that I bring up this issue in my talks within the EU. As a friend and partner, it would be beneficial for us if Turkey's condition is well," Roesler noted.

-"We will be giving up nuclear energy but are ready to assist Turkey on the matter"-

In response to another question, Roesler underlined that they knew about Turkey's works on nuclear energy.

It was Turkey's decision as a sovereign country, Roesler remarked.

Reminding that Germany took a decision to give up nuclear energy by the year 2022, Roesler indicated that they were ready to assist whenever assistance was needed on nuclear energy.

"This assistance is not merely limited to energy but is valid for all other fields. We need to look at which technologies Turkey wants from Germany. We are ready to provide assistance in all fields," Roesler also said.