Feb 20, 2008 - BBC Monitoring European

Cooperation between Macedonia and Bulgaria in the energy sector was the main topic of discussion at Wednesday's [20 February] meeting of Vice Premier Zoran Stavreski with Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Petur Dimitrov.

Vice Premier Stavreski asked for Bulgaria's support in realization of Petrich-Strumica gas pipeline, exchange of electricity surpluses in certain periods, as well as completion of the 400kW line between the two countries.

Bulgarian Minister Dimitrov voiced readiness for cooperation on all issues at an expert level in the upcoming period.

The meeting also focused on possible cooperation for investments in the combined gas energy plant in Skopje, as well as strategic energy issues related to routes of the Balkan gas pipeline and other issues of mutual interest in the energy sector.

The Macedonian delegation, which also includes Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski, Macedonian Power Plants (ELEM) Director Vlatko Cingovski, and Macedonian Transmission System Operator (MEPSO) Director Vladimir Zdravev met earlier with Bulgarian Transport Minister Petur Mutafchiev.

The meeting tackled passenger and railway Corridor 8 and the debt of Macedonian Railways towards the Republic of Bulgaria, for which a mutually acceptable solution has been reached.

Moreover, competent ministers agreed on intensification of activities for EU's financial support for Corridor 8, reads the press release.

Originally published by MIA news agency, Skopje, in English 1642 20 Feb 08.

(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring European. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

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