Turkey is a regional power with a "critical" role in establishing energy security, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Thursday.
"Turkey is the center of regional energy trade," Zeybekci said at the opening of the EXPO 2017 Astana's Turkish National Day event in the Kazakh capital.
Commenting on the EXPO events, Zeybekci said these expositions could encourage the advancement of humanity, contribute to the sharing of knowledge, and increase cooperation.
The minister added that Turkey was participating in EXPO 2017 Astana under the sub-theme of "Global Synergy for Sustainable Energy" and pointed out that ideas such as sharing, equality, and peace underlay this message of synergy.
Zeybekci said Turkey had become one of the world's leading trade and investment bases, thanks to the progress achieved in the last 15 years, in particular.
"Our country's decisive role in the global economy will continue to increase. You can be sure of that," he said.
EXPO 2017 Astana: Future Energy started on June 10, and lasts till Sep. 10.