ExxonMobil, Turkish Petroleum hold talks to explore shale

(MENAFN) ExxonMobil, the US-based oil firm, along with state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) are holding talks over a joint venture to explore shale gas in Turkey, The Peninsula Qatar reported. According to a Turkish energy official, Exxon held talks with TPAO in 2012 over a partnership to explore shale, but the negotiations were inconclusive. Turkish officials comment saying that talks have since advanced and are likely to result in an agreement. "ExxonMobil is coming to Turkey to partner up with TPAO," the head of the energy ministry's General Directorate of Petroleum Affairs said.