Bulgaria has the potential and ambition to play an active role in the energy security of Southeastern Europe, President Iliana Iotova said after meeting US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, the President’s press secretariat said here Wednesday.
The talks focused on regional energy diversification and were part of Guilfoyle’s visit to Bulgaria after a trip to Romania, the President’s administration said.
A main topic at the meeting was regional energy diversification and the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor, which links Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova.
Iotova said rising US liquefied natural gas supplies to Greece, together with Bulgaria’s access to Greek terminals, give Bulgaria an opportunity to establish itself as a key factor in the region’s energy diversification and in Europe’s broader energy security.
Iotova also said the development of Corridor No. 8, linking the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea, would improve transport connectivity and bring economic benefits to the Balkans.
She also pointed to the need to improve North-South transport links, including by building more bridge facilities between Bulgaria and Romania.
Iotova and Guilfoyle also discussed cooperation in defence, innovation and high technologies.
Earlier on Wednesday, caretaker PM Gurov also met with Guilfoyle to discuss topics from the bilateral dialogue.
/VE/