The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, had a working meeting with Jovana Joksimovic, assistant minister of mining and energy of the Republic of Serbia, responsible for international cooperation and European integration at the margins of the 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14), which is being held in Skopje.
The construction of the gas interconnector between Macedonia and Serbia, a project of strategic importance for energy security and diversification of gas supply in the region was the focus of the meeting.
The two interlocutors agreed that the project should be implemented with an accelerated dynamics to enable the connection of the gas systems of the two countries and access to new sources of gas.
On the sidelines of the forum, a working meeting was held at the Ministry of energy of Macedonia, where the coordination of institutions and operators in the two countries for the realization of the project was discussed. The procedures and technical steps for further acceleration of activities were reviewed.
"The gas interconnector with Serbia is one of the most important regional infrastructure projects that will enable real energy stability and security. This project is not only important for Macedonia and Serbia - it is also significant for the whole Europe. With this new energy connection, both countries gain access to alternative sources and routes, and Europe gains a stronger and better connected Balkans. This is a step that positions our country as an active and responsible partner in the new energy map of Europe. Our common goal is for this project to be realized in the shortest possible time - because every day is important for our energy future. With joint efforts, we will realize this project, in close coordination and constant communication with our partners from Serbia", minister Sanja Bozhinovska stated.
"The gas interconnector with Macedonia is a project that has significance beyond our borders. It is part of the vision for a region that is energy-connected, secure and aligned with European goals. Serbia and Macedonia together show that with partnership and a common strategy we can ensure a stable and predictable energy future. The cooperation between our two countries in the field of energy is an example of how regional partnership can bring concrete results. The cooperation with my colleague Bozhinovska and the Macedonian team is intense and extremely constructive. I am confident that with joint coordination and support of our operators 'Srbijagas' and 'Nomagas', we will create new energy axis of stability between the two countries. We have a clear dynamic, completed studies and support from European institutions. The next step is a coordinated action for construction. We will work together to make the interconnector a reality as soon as possible", Jovana Joksimovic, assistant minister for international cooperation and European integration at the Ministry of mining and energy of Serbia said.
Information about the project "Gas Interconnector Serbia - Macedonia"
· Objective: Establishing a two-way connection for the transport of natural gas between North Macedonia and Serbia, which will enable access to new sources of supply.
· Memoranda:
o The governments of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the interconnector.
o The national operators "Srbijagas" and "Nomagas" signed a memorandum of cooperation in order to accelerate the implementation of the project.
· Technical characteristics:
o Length: approximately 70 kilometers (47 km in Serbia and 23 km in Macedonia)
o Route: in Macedonia it will be connected to the existing gas pipeline at Klečovce, and in Serbia to the gas pipeline in Vranje.
· Significance: The project represents a strategic energy connection that will enable diversification of gas sources, greater energy security and regional integration of gas markets.
Both sides confirmed their commitment to continue intensive coordination at the institutional and technical level, so that the Macedonia – Serbia interconnector becomes a functional energy connection in the interest of the citizens and the economy of the entire region.
With regards,
Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources
