site.btaEnergy Minister Petkova, Macedonian Economy Minister Bekteshi Discuss Gas Interconnector Between Two Countries

Sofia, October 24 (BTA) - Meeting with Macedonian Economy Minster Kreshnik Bekteshi on Tuesday, Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova said that Bulgaria's principal natural gas projects will impact the diversification of natural gas sources and routes in Macedonia too.

Minister Bekteshi is visiting Sofia to attend the inaugural meeting of a joint working group which will explore possibilities for an interconnector between the gas systems of the two countries. A memorandum on the new interconnector was signed during Petkova's visit to Macedonia on August 1.

According to Petkova, lack of infrastructure is a major problem in the Balkans and Bulgaria is making efforts to overcome this issue. Bulgaria's EU Presidency will focus on the Western Balkans, said Petkova. She acquainted her Macedonian counterpart with progress in connection with the development of interconnectors with the neigbouring countries.

Petkova recalled that Bulgaria has agreed with Azerbaijan the delivery of 1 million cu m of natural gas through the interconnector with Greece.

The future gas hub which the Bulgarian government is trying to implement will provide a platform for the trade in natural gas and a chance to liberalize the natural gas market in the region, said Petkova.

Minister Bekteshi said that Macedonia needs a new gas interconnector to diversify its suppliers.