Anapa, 7th December 2012 (MIA) – Upon official invitation by the Russian Federation, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski, attends today, together with high officials from all countries participating in the Project, the formal ceremony of marking the start of the construction of the Russian gas transmission corridor, held in Anapa, Russia.

– “South Stream” is an important moment for Europe. This is also an important event for the Republic of Macedonia. I am pleased that we have managed in the efforts put, that our efforts have yielded results and that Macedonia is included in this Project from the very beginning, together with the other countries. We are here today at the occasion of laying the cornerstone for the South Stream and we will be present during all stages of the Project realization, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski, pointed out.

He underlined that inclusion of Macedonia in this Project would provide for stable gas supply, as well as secure energy future of our country.

– What is if significance for the Republic of Macedonia is that this Project will contribute to stable gas supply. Instead of the current pipe with a lower capacity, the Project will provide for larger capacity, i.e. greater gas supply. This is important for the future, for the next 30 to 40 years of secure gas supply for all business capacities, as well as the households. Republic of Macedonia thus secures its energy future, stable supply with energy source and it is included in the main international gas corridor to supply whole Europe, Minister Stavreski underlined.

He added that economic benefits from the South Stream for Macedonia were multiple. By ensuring gas supply within this international corridor, all future needs of the country for new business capacities, new energy capacities, construction of new gas power plants, as well as construction of gas network to all cities in the Republic of Macedonia, will be met.

– We will be confident that we have ensured sufficient quantity of gas, and when purchasing larger quantities of gas we can purchase them at a lower price. We have secured the energy future of the country with a quality and cheap energy source, Minister Stavreski said.

At today’s ceremony, at which President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, as well as “Gazprom” CEO Alexey Miller, had their address, beginning of the construction of “South Stream” was officially marked. Russian gas to central and south Europe will start flowing in 2015. Capacity of the gas pipeline is 63 billion cubic meters annually or 14% of the overall needs of Europe. Macedonia was officially included in “South Stream” Project in July this year, when the Russian Federation submitted the draft Agreement.

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