The move paves the way to increase Turkish energy imports from Kurdistan.

“The decision was taken during a meeting on (Thursday) as the license period will end within 26 years,” the official said.

It is expected to start importing gas next year.

The official said, citing plans offered by the company that it would begin importing 700 million cubic meters of natural gas in 2014 and aims to increase the amount to 3.2 billion cubic meters per year by 2033.

It was not immediately possible to ask Syahkalim Company to comment.