During the discussion with his Bulgarian counterpart, Vladimir Malinov, the Minister of Energy from the Republic of Moldova, Victor Parlicov, said that the Republic of Moldova relies on Bulgaria to secure alternative gas supply sources, following the potential suspension of Russian natural gas supplies on Ukrainian territory, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy said in a press release.

The two sides discussed the key role of the Vertical Gas Corridor concept for Southeast Europe. The officials agreed that the implementation in the shortest possible time of the projects to increase the transport capacities between Greece and Bulgaria and between Bulgaria and Romania is crucial for the energy security of the region, according to BTA and Agerpres.

Malinov emphasized that Bulgaria will continue to support the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in providing energy at affordable and safe prices.

“Diversifying gas supplies and reducing dependence on Russia continues to be our joint priority,” he added.

In his opinion, the Republic of Moldova can rely on alternative supplies from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Greece and Turkey, for which Bulgaria has reserved capacities.

“Through the route of the Vertical Gas Corridor, through the well-developed Bulgarian gas transportation network, access to LNG from safe sources for South-Eastern Europe will be ensured,” Malinov emphasized.

The two ministers agreed that the Bulgarian state gas company Bulgargaz and Moldovan SA Energocom should cooperate in order to conclude specific agreements regarding the supply security for the Republic of Moldova.