Ukraine's state energy company "Naftogaz" has signed its first agreement with Azerbaijan's SOCAR for the import of natural gas via the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, the Ukrainian company announced, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
"For the first time, a test gas supply is being carried out via the Trans-Balkan route along the Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine corridor", "Naftogaz" added.
"This is a small-scale but strategically important move that paves the way for long-term cooperation. This is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine's energy security," commented the CEO of "Naftogaz" Sergey Koretsky, quoted by Ukrainian and Azerbaijani media.
He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the government and the Ministry of Energy for their support in reaching the agreement, adding: "We also thank our Azerbaijani colleagues for their trust."
Details on the volumes and terms of delivery are not specified at this stage. The agreement marks a step towards diversifying Ukraine's gas sources in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.