site.btaPM Borissov, Energy Minister Petkova Open Balkan Stream Gas Pipeline Extension Near Border with Turkey

October 21 (BTA)
- Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Energy Minister Temenouzhka
Petkova attended here the opening of the Balkan Stream gas
pipeline extension from the Bulgarian-Turkish border to the
Strandja compressor station.

According to Borissov, the project would allow Bulgaria to
become a main gas distribution centre. "This is why we proposed
to our partners to name this gas pipeline Balkan Stream," he
said.

The facility is built by Bulgartransgaz EAD and includes a gas
metering station and an 11-km stretch of new gas pipeline.

"This is a political gas transmission motorway, because there
are no wars where there are big economic interests," Borissov
said.
 
Energy Minister Petkova described the project as exceptionally
important for both Bulgaria and the whole region. "It is the
result of our active work to keep Bulgaria's strategic place on
Europe's gas map," she is quoted as saying by her Ministry's
press centre.

According to Petkova, the project is also of key importance for
the implementation of the Balkan gas hub concept. It will allow
for the diversification of natural gas sources and supply
routes, and will improve the region's energy security, she said.
 

The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister
Tomislav Donchev, Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Anatoly
Makarov, representatives of the countries through which the gas
pipeline will pass, MPs, regional governors and local mayors.
DT/MY