SOFIA, April 10 (MENA) - It is important for countries in the region to use the existing gas infrastructure to its full capacity in order to enhance the security of energy supply, Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov said Thursday during the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece.

He commented on the growing interest from international companies in exploring for natural gas in the region. He noted that Bulgaria is expected to soon sign an agreement with Shell for gas exploration in the Black Sea, the Bulgarian News Agency reported, citing a statement from the country's energy ministry.

“It will take time for natural gas extraction to begin on our territory. That is why, in the long term, it is crucial to use the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the region,” the minister said.

Stankov highlighted the importance of cooperation with Greece, Cyprus, and other countries in the region. “The LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis alone has a capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meters,” he pointed out.

The minister also noted that the capacity of the gas interconnector Bulgaria-Greece, will increase from 3.2 to 5 billion cubic meters, which he said will contribute to the region’s energy security.

Stankov emphasized that while investments in exploration are important, equal attention should be paid to using the full potential of existing infrastructure. (MENA)

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