The executive director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has stated the importance of nuclear energy, saying in a press conference that "with regard to Turkey's general weight in regional and global systems, nuclear energy is an indispensable option".Birol said that Turkey was a key country in creating a natural bridge between Middle Eastern countries and consumer countries. He also added that the present oil prices remain an advantage for oil importing countries like Turkey.Emphasizing that the decline in oil prices affects the current deficit in a positive way, Birol warned that "we shouldn't sit back thinking the drop in oil prices will remain this way". He encouraged the ministry to take a realistic approach when establishing economic and energy policies.Expressing his ideas about the importance of natural gas as a source for generating electricity, Birol drew attention to the IEA's reports stating that natural gas had entered a "golden era". He also stated that "Turkey's strategic geographical position will continue to play an important role in being an energy and transportation center." Referring to Turkey's first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu, Birol also added: "Nuclear energy is one of the rare forms of energy which does not emit carbon-dioxide and thus makes it an indispensable option for Turkey". He pointed out that Turkey is in need of renewable energy sources too, "but it is not a matter of which, but a matter of both" as Turkey's demand for energy is increasing day-by-day faster than any other European country.