From Reuters: Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s trip to Russia to pursue gas deals will boost the EU candidate’s quest to become a key transit hub for Europe, but highlights a difficult east-west balancing game for Ankara…

Erdogan starts a two-day visit to Moscow on Tuesday where he is expected to meet Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for talks that will focus on energy and security…

“The closer ties between Moscow and Ankara were a matter of concern (for the West) a year or so ago, but at the end of the day Europe realises that Turkey imports 65 percent of its gas from Russia,” said Wolfango Piccoli, from Eurasia [Group].

Underlying the importance Ankara attaches to the visit, Erdogan will lead a delegation that will include Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan in talks expected also to touch on trade, investments, regional and international issues.

Russia is keen to have South Stream built ahead of the rival EU-backed Nabucco gas pipeline, which is aimed at cutting Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. (photo: Umit Bektas/Reuters)