BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Romania is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR on more projects, Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Romania’s energy minister, said in an exclusive interview with TurkicWorld
"The Memorandum of Understanding signed in Sofia sets out directions of cooperation between SOCAR and four distribution system operators for the supply of additional gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. We are looking forward to expanding our cooperation with SOCAR on more projects. The company has proven to be a reliable partner and investor in Romania, as it is expanding its operations across sectors in the Romanian energy market," he said.
Burduja went on to add that one of these projects is an LNG terminal in the Black Sea will open a new gas transport corridor from the Caspian region, particularly from Azerbaijan, serving as a new entry point for imported gas volumes into the EU market.
"This corridor can be considered the shortest, most direct, and independent gas transport route, connecting Caspian gas sources with EU countries. The feasibility study has been completed, yielding favorable conclusions for implementation. For Romania, the project will ensure the diversification of gas import entry points, while also benefiting the EU by diversifying sources and supply routes. Liquefied natural gas will ensure secure, reliable, and accessible energy deliveries, and I am confident that this project can have a significant positive impact on the energy security of Central and Southeastern European states. Therefore, we hope it will also receive the support of the European Commission for its prompt implementation," the minister added.
He noted that the Romanian government is a pro-business one.
"All serious investors are welcomed. Romania is the fastest growing economy in the EU over the last 2 decades, as well as currently the second largest FDI recipient in CEE region, after Poland. We have one of the most business-friendly regulation and tax systems and energy is particularly an attractive field," said the minister.
