Bulgaria’s caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov conferred with the White House National Security Council representatives Steven Burns (energy security) and Jeremy Long (Balkans and Central Europe) in Washington, D.C., Malinov’s Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. "Bulgaria's well-developed gas transmission system and the considerable capacity of the regasification terminals in Greece and Turkiye at Bulgargaz' disposal enable us to supply the countries in the region with considerable volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG)," Malinov said. He noted that this capacity can be used by US producers and traders for strategic long-term supplies and serve as a successful response to the challenges of gas supply diversification.
The National Security Council is the US President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his or her senior advisors and cabinet officials.
The need to replace Russian pipeline gas in the countries in Southeast Europe and the security of LNG supplies for Bulgaria and the region were the main topics of the discussion. Malinov noted that a comeback of Russian natural gas on the markets in Bulgaria and the region through intermediary companies has been observed in the last six months. "That is why there is a need for a thorough analysis of its impact on the market and the possible measures that have to be taken," the Energy Minister said. In his words, the supply of LNG from the US is a key factor in ensuring energy security in Bulgaria and the region," he said, adding that deepening cooperation in this regard is a top priority for Bulgaria.
Malinov, Burns, and Long also discussed the need to ensure cybersecurity for the strategic infrastructure facilities in the energy sector as part of Bulgaria's national security.
The US National Security Council representatives pledged to support and seek opportunities for the United States to provide Ukraine and the entire region with LNG.
Malinov briefed his hosts on the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative of the gas transmission operators of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Moldova.
Attracting US strategic partners and strengthening economic cooperation by sharing technology, know-how, and expertise in Bulgaria's energy sector transformation were also among the highlights of the strategic dialogue between the two countries.
/RY/
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