Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-03-15

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign pipeline deal

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign pipeline deal

The signing ceremony was held at the presidential mansion in Athens in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Bulgarian Premier Sergey Stanishev.

Stanishev and Putin arrived in Athens Wednesday evening to attend the signing of the tripartite inter-state agreement for construction of the long-awaited Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline.

In greeting the Russian president upon his arrival at the Maximos Mansion, Karamanlis said Putin's second visit to Athens in just a few months' time was an honour and joy for Greece as well as for himself and his government.

"This visit certifies the excellent relations between the two countries, and marks and symbolises the commencement of the construction of an important project, the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline," Karamanlis said.

The Greek premier expressed pleasure that the agreement, and the decision taken at the trilateral meeting in Athens last September to manifest the three countries' determination for the ambitions project to proceed, was being materialised.

"I hope that this, and other common plans we have, will proceed with success," Karamanlis said.

Putin, in turn, stressed that the signing of the agreement was in the interests of not only the three countries directly involved in the project but also of the global economy, noting that it was an important project in the sector of global energy.

The Russian president added that the pipeline "allows diversification in the oil routes, to the benefit of our countries, our peoples and the economy".

Putin stressed Karamanlis' personal interest in advancing this issue, adding that his visit here was linked not only with the good relations between the two countries but also with the cooperation that exists in a number of sectors, and chiefly the sector of the economy. Citing Russian statistical data, he noted that the volume of commercial transactions has exceeded three billion dollars.

The Russian president further said that during his private meeting with Karamanlis, discussions would also cover international issues of common interest, with the focus on the Balkans.

Earlier, in greeting his Bulgarian counterpart before their meeting, Karamanlis expressed satisfaction over developments for the pipeline project.

Stanishev, in turn, stressed that his associates and the three countries worked with much determination for the realisation of the project, adding that there was still much work to do regarding the establishment of the international construction and supply company for the project so as to enable construction to begin in early 2008.

He stressed that the project will be beneficial for all three countries.

Stanishev further said that the project will put Greece and Bulgaria on the international energy map, bring new investments and create new jobs, while at the same time increase security in both countries.

Putin and Stanishev are also scheduled to meet with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who returned from an official visit to Croatia late on Wednesday night.

Thursday's agreement was signed by Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Russia's Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Asen Gagaouzov.

A half-hour meeting between Putin and Papoulias follows statements by the three leaders, after which the Russian president will depart the country, whereas a meeting with Stanishev follows.

A meeting between Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov also took place at the foreign ministry on Thursday morning.

Caption: Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (C) along with Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev (R) appear at a press conference at the presidential mansion in Athens on Thursday, 15 March 2007, immediately after the signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement. ANA-MPA/ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU

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