Bulgaria Pledges Support of Russian Projects of Mutual Interest
"Every joint project with Russia, which is of mutual interest to both countries will receive support from the Bulgarian government." This said the Minister of Economy and Energy Dragomir Stoynev during his meeting with the Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Anatoly Yanovsky. He assured his guest that the government will support long-term mutually beneficial relationship with the Russian Federation on the basis of bilateral dialogue, openness and mutual interest. The two ministers discussed the development of the project "South Stream".
The Bulgarian and the Russian parties agreed that a priory approved schedule must be followed. About 70% of the preparatory work preceding the construction have been already done - the EIA report is examined, within days begin a public hearings on the project with local communities. Russian guest underlines his gratitude to Bulgaria being one of the first countries announced the "South Stream" project of national importance, which significantly speeds up work on its implementation.
"South Stream" project is of extremely important economic, energy and regional significance," said Dragomir Stoynev and stressed the need our country to comply with both the Bulgarian and European legislation in a building. Otherwise Bulgaria is threatened by EC sanctions.
"The decision on the regulatory framework should be common for the all of project participants obliging of international agreements of the parties," said Anatoly Yanovsky. In his words, both Bulgaria and the European Union have an interest in realization of the "South Stream", because it not only diversifies gas supplies to Europe, but has a significant contribution to the economies of Bulgaria and the EU. The projections indicate that the use of natural gas in the EU will increase, as it is the cleanest fuel.
During the talks the Russian side was assured that the Bulgarian side is following with great attention and concern the talks between Russia and the EU on the regulatory framework of the project. "I would like to acknowledge the intention of our government for the implementation of the" South Stream "and we will support this project to EC," said Dragomir Stoynev.
During the meeting was discussed the topic about NPP "Belene". According to Minister Stoynev despite the difficult financial situation in the country, it is possible to update the financial and economic analysis of the project.
Dragomir Stoynev received the assurances from the Russian side for its readiness to continue discussions "Belene" with Bulgarian partners.
Minister Stoynev stressed that every joint energy project should be considered separately and not to allow the opinion of one of them to affect the other.
Source: Ministry of Enconomy