A new pipeline between Greece and Italy will create a favorable opportunity to transport gas from the Azerbaijani field Shah Deniz to Europe, Trend reports referring to oil and gas experts of Azerbaijan.
Greece and Italy have signed a protocol on supporting the construction of an underwater gas pipe, which will give an opportunity to transport natural gas from Azerbaijan, Russia, countries of Near East and North Africa to Europe via the territory of Greece. The European Union is interested in diversifying the delivery of energy carriers to Europe.
In November Azerbaijan and the European Union signed Memorandum on Strategic Energy Partnership. The strategic partnership between the European Union and Azerbaijan envisages co-operation in four directions.
The Greek-Italian gas pipe will be connected with the Greek-Turkish gas pipe Komotin-Karajabey in June 2007. After connection, the gas pipe will transport gas from Azerbaijan and Iran via the territory of Turkey.
The construction of the Greek-Italian gas pipe Komotin-Otranto will begin in 2008 and will be completed in 2011.