site.btaBulgargaz and BOTAS Continue Talks on Re-negotiating their Agreement

Conferring here on Thursday, Bulgaria's caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov and Turkiye's Ambassador in Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanik discussed, among other things, the ongoing talks between Bulgargaz and BOTAS on re-negotiating the agreement between the Bulgarian state-owned natural gas supplier and the Turkish energy company.

On April 19, 2024, Bulgaria's National Assembly adopted a resolution assigning the Minister of Energy to take action for re-negotiating the agreement between Bulgargaz and BOTAS signed on January 3, 2023.

"The Ambassador expressed readiness to assist a continuation of the constructive dialogue between the two contracting parties with a view to achieving optimum results," the Ministry said in a press release.

During Thursday's meeting, Malinov and Uyanik also talked about bilateral cooperation which, in their opinion, has an enormous potential to contribute to ensuring energy security in Southeastern Europe. "Turkiye is one of Bulgaria's key energy partners. Ensuring the region's energy security and the diversification of sources are common priorities which we will continue to pursue jointly," the Minister told the Ambassador. In his words, after the suspension of natural gas transmission via Ukrainian territory, there will be an increased need for energy supplies to the region through the LNG terminals in Turkiye.

"The two also considered the role of cooperation for the development of the two countries' electricity systems," the press release said further. "They noted the potential for green energy transmission to the European market." Malinov and Uyanik addressed the development of Bulgaria's nuclear power sector, with the Bulgarian Minister pointing to the action taken for the construction of new nuclear capacities. "Our country has 50 years' experience in operating a nuclear power plant. If necessary, we are ready to share our experience and expertise with our Turkish colleagues," Malinov added. 

The caretaker minister and the diplomat expressed readiness for the signing in the coming months of a memorandum on the promotion of energy cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkiye, the press release pointed out.