support of the two countries for a fast completion
of the Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB)
project, and also stressing the need to further
examine any further steps in regard to this project
in the near future.
Also, in a meeting between Mr. Lafazanis and the
Energy Minister of Azerbaijan Natiq Aliyev, the two
men reaffirmed their interest in using the TAP proj-
ect as a springboard for the development of rela-
tions between the two countries. Mr. Lafazanis
stressed that there must be certain offsetting ben-
efits for Greece from the realization of the TAP
project, which would be fair for the country and
beneficial for the pipeline and all parties involved.
This issue was also raised by Mr. Lafazanis dur-
ing his meeting with the TAP CEO Ian Bradshaw.
The request of the Greek side was carefully con-
the need for their further development, which will
be of particular importance not only for these two
nations, but for the wider region as well.
During the Council, Mr. Lafazanis also met with
other ministers, as well as senior officials.
He met with the Vice President of the European
Commission, Maros Sefcovic, with whom he dis-
cussed southeast European energy matters,
including the TAP project.
He also met with Amos J. Hochstein, Acting
Special Envoy and Coordinator for International
Energy Affairs of the US Department of State, and
discussed regional energy issues, emphasizing
on the Southern Corridor and the TAP.
In addition, the Minister of Productive
Reconstruction met with Bulgaria’s Energy
Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, reaffirming the
Trade with Greece
105
In the forthcoming months, the leadership of the
Ministry of Productive Reconstruction is expected
to present its policies in the fields of energy,
industry and mineral resources.
”
“
