Russia will return the clearing debt worth US$ 60 million to Macedonia, through the realization of a gasification project, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski said today, after his stay in the Russian Federation.
 
Russia agreed for Macedonia to obtain maximum support from Gazprom for the implementation of this important project, Stavreski stated, who with his Russian counterpart Akexei Kudrin harmonized the text of the Agreement. It needs to be approved by the Government and the Parliament so as to start the implementation of the project next year.
 
According to Stavreski, the total value of the gasification project will range between US$ 200 and US$ 300 million, depending on the route, for which the preparations are finalized. Taking into account that US$ 60 million are not sufficient for implementation of the project, Macedonia will co- finance both the portion, which will be built together with Russia and the portion that will be financed by Macedonia so as to fully construct the gas pipeline network.
 
– Another US$ 15 million will be added to the US$ 60 million we will obtain from Russia and I am confident that total of US$ 75 million will be sufficient for successful completion of 150-200 km of the gas pipeline, Stavreski said.
 
Minister of Finance announced that the priority projects will be determined in the study, being under preparation. They include the central gas pipeline from Kumanovo to Gevgelija and connection branch towards Strumica.
 
Stavreski estimated that the reached agreement with Russia referring to the debt repayment is an exceptional success since it solves major issue by realizing one of the most priority projects for Macedonia and because the total debt worth US$ 60 million will be fully repaid.
 
Promise for including Gazprom in the gasification project implementation is of huge importance for the Minister of Finance. Stavreski pointed out that this means that we will have strategic partner for implementation of the gas pipeline project, thus Macedonia will be also included in the regional gas pipeline network (MIA).
