Romania considers the Nabucco gas pipeline a strategic project and calls for the development of energy dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union, Romanian President Traian Basescu said, Itar-Tass reported.

The Nabucco gas pipeline will be shorter than was initially projected, with only one, western, section from the Turkish-Bulgarian border to Austria left of the 3,900-kilometre pipeline that was supposed to be built from the Caspian to Europe. The pipeline will carry Azeri gas to Turkey and on to Europe, but could also carry Turkmen gas if a route under the Caspian Sea can be built to Azerbaijan.

Romania just like the whole of the European Union attaches great significance to the development of the Sothern energy corridor and considers the Nabucco gas pipeline a strategic project, Basescu said at a meeting with Turkmenistani President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov on Thursday, October 11.

We are glad that Turkmenistan confirms its readiness to supply energy resources to the European market. We understand that Turkmenistan needs gas purchase guarantees and support Ashgabats international dialogue on energy security and diversification of gas export routes, the president said.

Romania favours ratification of the Treaty of Cooperation between
Turkmenistan and the European Union, he said.

Energy dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union has intensified notably, Berdimuhammedov said. We think therefore that Romania could take an active part in the strengthening of relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union in order to build new bridges of friendship and mutually advantageous cooperation.

Source: bne