Tsipras discusses extension of TurkStream pipeline to Europe

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras discussed the issue of extending the TurkStream natural gas pipeline to Europe during his visit to Moscow on December 7, the country’s Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs George Katrougkalos said in an interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, which was published by the ministry on Tuesday.

Athens confirmed during the visit that it indeed sticks to a multifaceted approach in its foreign policy, he said. "Moreover, important interstate agreements were signed and assistance was provided with cooperation between Greek and Russian companies in the agriculture, shipbuilding and other sectors that are crucial for Greece’s economy. Important discussions on energy issues regarding extension of TurkStream to Europe were also held," the diplomat stressed.

Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs considers further expansion of ties between the two countries to be a significant result of PM’s visit to Moscow. "We have established a warm relationship and laid the groundwork for its further major improvement, particularly at the economic level and regarding relations between the two peoples. 2019 will be Greek-Russian (bilateral) year of language and literature," he noted.

The TurkStream project envisages the construction of a gas pipeline across the Black Sea to the European part of Turkey and farther to the border with Greece. Gas deliveries via the first stretch of the gas pipeline are designed to meet the requirements of the growing Turkish market, while the second stretch is planned to deliver gas to the countries of Southern and South-Eastern Europe. The commissioning of the second line of TurkStream is planned for 2019. In November, Tsipras said that Greece was actively agitating for the construction of the pipeline in Brussels, so that the pipeline should run through the Greek-Turkish border to Europe.