site.btaBulgarian Economy Minister, Azeri Energy Minister Discuss Enhanced Cooperation in Energy

Bulgarian caretaker Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stoyanov and Azeri Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met on Tuesday to discuss opportunities for enhancing the cooperation between the two countries, Stoyanov's Ministry reported. The meeting was a continuation of the dialogue that Bulgarian Energy Minister Rossen Hristov started with his Azeri counterpart on August 30.

"Bulgaria is interested in increasing supplies from Azerbaijan after the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor," Stoyanov said. He was aware that additional supplies through the Corridor will be possible in 2025 at the earliest, however "[Bulgaria] needs to lay the foundations for its real diversification now". Shahbazov confirmed that Bulgaria is among Azerbaijan's priority partners. The ministers commented on the current situation and expectations for global gas supply and demand in the region.

Stoyanov invited Shahbazov to visit Bulgaria in October, to continue talks on new areas of mutual partnership.

Stoyanov is visiting Azerbaijan for the 4th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition ADEX - the region’s largest event in the fields of defence and internal security, providing its participants with the opportunity to meet with military leadership of Azerbaijan, as well as the international military and defence community. This year's expo includes some 180 exhibitors and more than 20 international military delegations, including the Bulgarian one headed by Minister Stoyanov.