Russia's energy giant Gazprom is willing to develop a strategic partnership with Croatia in the energy sector, including the construction of the Croatia-bound branch-line of the South Stream gas pipeline, an increase in gas deliveries, and more favourable gas prices for Croatian businesses and citizens, Gazprom's CEO Alexey Miller said in Zagreb on Thursday.
We have possibilities for developing a strategic partnership and a great potential for cooperation in the energy sector. As far as we are concerned, we are fully open to cooperation, Miller said after his talks with Croatia's First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic.
"Croatia's position is to stick to what we agree," Pusic said, adding that this was an important topic as it would lead to cheaper gas for households and businesses.
Before the talks with Pusic, the delegation of Gazprom's top executives was received by President Ivo Josipovic, who said that it was in Croatia's interest to reinforce Croatia-Russia relations in all areas, notably in the industrial and energy sectors.
According to Miller, a joint task force has drawn up a plan of activities for building the South Stream's branch line that would pass through Croatia delivering 2.7 billion cubic metres of gas annually.
The agreement to this effect was signed earlier on Thursday by Gazprom and Croatia's gas transmission system operator Plinacro. The investment and construction is estimated at 60 million euros.
We could increase gas deliveries to the thermal power plants and we are ready to invest in gas-based power plants. In the event of our participation in the construction of those facilities, we are ready to sign contracts for the provision of gas to those plants, said the CEO of Gazprom, which doubled its net profit in Q3 2012 to 10.05 billion dollars.
Miller also spoke about prospects of delivering car gas and about Gazprom participating in geological explorations in Croatia.
