Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 30
By Azad Hasanli – Trend:
Bulgaria is interested in early supplies of Azerbaijani gas, said Bulgarian Deputy Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov.
Stankov made the remarks during the meeting with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Energy Ministers Gulmammad Javadov and Natig Abbasov.
The Bulgarian official said that Azerbaijan is a reliable strategic partner of Bulgaria.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the development of cooperation in the field of energy, the need of energy diversification, transit opportunities of Bulgaria and new projects in energy sphere, as well as prospects of creating the Balkan gas distribution hub at a cost of 1.4-1.5 billion euros, the construction of the gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), Bulgaria’s joining the Southern Gas Corridor and others.
The Southern Gas Corridor is one of priorities for the European Union (EU) and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.
At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.