Caretaker Prime Minister discussed the construction of the gas interconnector with the Greek ambassador

Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev on June 14 met with the Ambassador of Greece, HE Dimitrios Chronopoulos. During the conversation, it was noted that the two countries are strategic partners and discussed ways to deepen strategic relations through intensive political dialogue and concerted efforts on bilateral, regional and international issues.

Dimitrios Chronopoulos declared the Greek government's full political support for the Bulgarian government and stressed that the two countries are part of the same interest group within the region. The Greek ambassador expressed satisfaction with the invitation to his country to participate as a guest at the summit of the "Three Seas" initiative.

The caretaker PM Stefan Yanev confirmed the support of the Bulgarian government for all joint Bulgarian-Greek economic, infrastructure and energy projects, which are of strategic importance both for the two countries and for the entire European Union.

During the meeting, the main emphasis was placed on the prospects for more effective cooperation in the energy sector, as well as on the opportunities for increasing Greek investments in Bulgaria, including with regard to renewable energy sources.

The focus of the conversation was the construction of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector. Caretaker Prime Minister noted that the IGB is a key priority of the Bulgarian government. The implementation of the interconnection and the construction of the planned liquefied natural gas terminal in Alexandroupolis are of strategic importance not only for Bulgaria but for the whole region, because this will lead to diversification of natural gas sources and routes for natural gas supply. The construction of the gas pipeline is in progress and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2021. The liquefied natural gas terminal near Alexandroupolis, in which Bulgartransgaz EAD has a 20% share, is expected to start operating in 2023.

Caretaker PM Yanev and Ambassador Dimitris Chronopoulos expressed satisfaction that Bulgaria and Greece were among the first countries in the EU to achieve technical readiness and began issuing and recognizing the EU digital certificate for COVID-19, which will facilitate travel. Caretaker PM noted that it would be of great benefit for business and tourism if all border checkpoints between the two countries were opened.

Attention was also paid to the challenges facing the enlargement of the European Union to the countries of the Western Balkans, in particular to the Republic of North Macedonia. Stefan Yanev stressed that Bulgaria has always shown sincere will and efforts for a constructive and pragmatic dialogue with the Republic of North Macedonia and will continue in this direction. In this regard, the Ambassador of Greece expressed understanding for the Bulgarian position.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister used the opportunity to thank the Greek authorities for their assistance for the smooth holding of the July 11 parliamentary elections for the Bulgarian voters who will cast their vote in polling stations in Greece.