Bulgarian, Greek Foreign Ministers Discuss Implementation of Vertical Gas Corridor

Sofia, June 18 (BTA) - For Bulgaria the idea for implementing a
vertical gas corridor contains the most serious potential for
the energy security of Southeast Europe, and also of the entire
EU, Foreign Minister Daniel Motov told a briefing Thursday after
 his meeting with visiting Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos
Kotzias.

Mitov said that the energy diversification and energy union of
the EU start here, from the interconnectedness between Bulgaria
and Greece.

He also said that Bulgaria consistently supports all initiatives
 aimed at strengthening the energy security of Southeast Europe
and of the entire EU. The concerted efforts of all countries in
the region in tackling the common challenges in the sphere of
energy will lead to quicker and more sustainable results, Mitov
said, adding that this is why Bulgaria is interested in and
takes part in the implementation of the strategic initiatives of
 the EU for building the necessary infrastructure and
diversifying the energy supplies of the EU.

Mitov also said that as member states of NATO and the EU,
Bulgaria and Greece bear responsibility for the security and
stability of the region. Bulgaria pursues a consistent policy in
 support of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the
countries from the Western Balkans, he said.

Mitov recalled that as holder of the rotating Presidency of the
South-East European Cooperation Process, Bulgaria has initiated
the drafting of a declaration on the inviolability of borders in
 Southeast Europe. He thanked for Greece's support for the
proposal.

Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Kotzias said that the region
should learn two basic principles: to obey the law and to use
the culture of compromise. In this framework, the two countries
will exchange ideas, work and cooperate for the welfare of their
 people, and also for the welfare of the entire region, Kotzias
said.

He also noted the wish to resolve all problems in the Balkans,
stressing that this should take place in compliance with the
principles of the international law and observing the European
culture of compromise.

Kotzias said that next week he will visit a number of countries
in the Western Balkans, including a visit to Skopje.

Asked why the signing of the agreement on the gas interconnector
 between Bulgaria and Greece did not take place as planned on
June 12, Kotzias said, "Rest assured, it will happen". He said
he is personally committed to the issue. Greece has a big trust
in the project, it is a decision made at government level and
the question will be moved forward as the project is not only
economically beneficial, but also ensures the energy security,
he said.