Conferring with his Bulgarian counterpart Vladimir Malinov on Friday, Moldovan Energy Minister Victor Parlicov said that Moldova relies on Bulgaria to secure alternative gas supplies following the potential suspension of Russian natural gas deliveries through Ukrainian territory, the Bulgarian Energy Ministry said in a press release.
The two sides discussed the key role of the Vertical Gas Corridor concept for Southeast Europe. They agreed that the implementation of the projects to increase transmission capacities between Greece and Bulgaria, and Bulgaria and Romania, in the shortest possible time is crucial for the region’s energy security.
Malinov stressed that Bulgaria will continue to support Moldova and Ukraine in providing affordable and secure energy. "Diversification of gas supplies and reduction of dependence on Russia continue to be our common priority," he added. In his words, Moldova can rely on alternative supplies from LNG terminals in Greece and Turkey, for which Bulgaria has reserved capacities. "It is through the route of the Vertical Gas Corridor, through the well-developed Bulgarian gas transmission network, that access to LNG from secure sources will be ensured for Southeast Europe," Malinov underscored.
The two ministers agreed that Bulgarian state-owned gas company Bulgargaz and Moldovan SA Energocom should cooperate to reach specific agreements on securing supplies for Moldova.
/RY/
