PM Borissov, Energy Minister Petkova Open Balkan Stream Gas Pipeline Extension Near Border with Turkey

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova attended here the opening of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline extension from the Bulgarian-Turkish border to the Strandja compressor station.

According to Borissov, the project would allow Bulgaria to become a main gas distribution centre. "This is why we proposed to our partners to name this gas pipeline Balkan Stream," he said.

The facility is built by Bulgartransgaz EAD and includes a gas metering station and an 11-km stretch of new gas pipeline.

"This is a political gas transmission motorway, because there are no wars where there are big economic interests," Borissov said.

Energy Minister Petkova described the project as exceptionally important for both Bulgaria and the whole region. "It is the result of our active work to keep Bulgaria's strategic place on
Europe's gas map," she is quoted as saying by her Ministry's press centre.

According to Petkova, the project is also of key importance for the implementation of the Balkan gas hub concept. It will allow for the diversification of natural gas sources and supply routes, and will improve the region's energy security, she said.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Anatoly Makarov, representatives of the countries through which the gas pipeline will pass, MPs, regional governors and local mayors.

Source: BTA