Novinite: Gazprom CEO Announces Start of South Stream in Bulgaria

As expected, the Russian-sponsored South Stream gas pipeline project has topped the agenda of talks between the CEO of Russian energy giant Gazprom, Alexei Miller, and Bulgaria's Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski.

Miller arrived in Bulgarian capital Sofia on Thursday, but the government did not release preliminary information about the purpose of the visit.

The two spoke at a joint briefing after the meeting Thursday afternoon.

"Today we start the construction of the Bulgarian section of the pipeline South Stream - this is a glorious event," said Miller

He stressed South Stream was the most important part of energy security of Europe as supplies will go directly to Bulgaria, respectively to the European Union. The direct delivery would also reduce the price of gas for Bulgaria, according to him.

Miller confirmed that the first delivery of natural gas in Bulgaria via South Stream will happen in December 2015.  MORE