Russian–Bulgarian energy production partnership reviewed at intergovernmental commission in Sofia
The launch of the Balkan gas distribution centre in Bulgaria was one of the large-scale projects discussed at the closing of the 15th session of the Russian–Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The commission was led on the Bulgarian side by Minister of Economy Bojidar Loukarsky and Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova, and on the Russian side by First Deputy Minister of Justice Sergey Gerasimov.
“Energy production plays an vital role in Bulgarian–Russian relations,” Petkova told a TASS reporter. “In particular, we are taking considerable steps to establish the Balkan gas distribution centre, which will guarantee the safety and diversification of gas supply routes. We see our Russian partners as potential participants in the project, and we are also counting on Russian gas.”
“The prospect of Russian participation in this project depends on the degree to which the Russian side is prepared for detailed discussion and the full cycle of approvals, including by the European Commission,” said Gerasimov in turn. “We are ready to participate in the project, which is set to pass the point of no return and cannot be suspended under any circumstances.”
“We also intend to establish cooperation in the fields of agriculture and construction,” Loukarsky added.
“No area is of secondary importance when it comes to relations between Russia and Bulgaria, especially given the history of our ties,” said the Russian co-chair of the commission. “One such area is tourism, which could be developed rapidly. As a whole, Russian–Bulgarian cooperation could be broader and more effective.”
Gerasimov also invited Petkova and Loukarsky to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will take place on June 16–18, 2016.
The 16th session of the commission will be held in 2017 in Russia.
Source: http://ru.euronews.com/newswires/3137104-newswire/ (Russian)
