Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Bulgaria intends to expand energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister Dragomir Stoynev said on February 12.

Speaking at the meeting with the head of Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR, the Bulgarian minister noted the issue of exporting Azerbaijani gas to Europe has created great interest and the Bulgarian government attaches great importance to diversification.

SOCAR head Rovnag Abdullayev, in turn, expressed confidence that the cooperation between the two countries in the energy sphere will develop more rapidly.

A final investment document on a project to supply European buyers with gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz-2 field was signed in Baku on December 17.

The Bulgarian delegation headed by Stoynev was received by Azerbaijani Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev.

During the meeting the sides discussed ways of expanding the bilateral economic relations.

The ways to broaden trade links and to organize joint meetings of businessmen also was among the discussed issues.

Mustafayev hailed cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, and said reciprocal visits play a profound role in expanding the bilateral relations.

He noted 11 Bulgarian companies operate in Azerbaijan and hailed the activities of the intergovernmental commission.

"Operation of intergovernmental commission is significant in development of cooperation between our countries. At the same time, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have great potential to extend trade links," he stressed.

Mustafayev also noted Bulgarian businessmen can be involved in projects on agriculture, animal-breeding, and industrial parks.

Stoynev, in turn, said his country is interested in extending relations with Azerbaijan, and there is greater potential for cooperation in different economic areas.

As part of the visit to Azerbaijan, the Bulgarian minister met with Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and Transportation Minister Ziya Mammadov.