site.bta Caretaker Energy Minister Malinov Confers with Ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Germany

Caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bulgaria Huseyn Huseynov and German Ambassador here Irene Plank, the Energy Ministry said here on Tuesday.

Malinov and Huseynov discussed opportunities for deepening energy cooperation.

"As a strategic partner of Bulgaria, Azerbaijan takes a leading role in ensuring the diversification of natural gas supplies and enhancing energy security in the region," Minister Malinov stressed. "The potential for cooperation between the countries in relation to the energy agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan is significant. We count on our partnership to continue by developing the potential to supply additional quantities of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria and the region," Minister Malinov said. For his part, Azerbaijan's Ambassador said that Bulgaria currently has the role of a strategic hub through which natural gas is transported to the region. The two also noted the growing role of Azeri natural gas following the potential suspension of Russian natural gas transportation through Ukrainian territory.

Among the topics of discussion with Ambassador Huseynov was the project for the construction of an underwater electric cable in the Black Sea.

Minister Malinov and Ambassador Plank noted the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Germany and outlined topics of common interest within which it could be deepened, the Ministry's press office said. The Energy Minister focused on Bulgaria's plans to preserve and develop its nuclear energy capacity. "The construction of Kozloduy NPP Unit 7 is among the top priorities of the [caretaker] government. We welcome the potential participation of any foreign company with experience in the project implementation activities in strict compliance with all safety requirements," Malinov added.

Ambassador Plank briefed Malinov on the development of the LNG market in Germany. They agreed to deepen cooperation between the countries in the process of securing the natural gas supplies needed by Europe after the expected suspension of Russian natural gas transmission through Ukraine, the statement said.