Skopje, 22 July 2022 (MIA) - Our country aims to fully integrate into the European Union and to become a member, which is why we follow the Western policies both in good and bad. We will respect all the recommendations when paying for Russian natural gas, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi said Friday. The Economy Ministry will follow all the decisions made by the European Commission, he told reporters. "Any decision they will make we will make it too through the Foreign Ministry, including when it comes to energy." According to Bekteshi, it is in the country's interest to ensure energy supply and to diversify natural gas supply. "Soon, a tender will be issued for the construction of a new gas interconnector with Greece. We call on the EU Commission to request Bulgaria to free the capacities leased by Gazprom," the Minister stated. Preparations are under way to secure alternative energy for energy capacities and heating plants in order to operate in continuity if Russia decides to cut the natural gas supply to the country. "At the moment, we're not paying for gas in rubles, but if Russia insists and the European Commission decides not to pay in rubles, we won't do it. Until now, the country is supplying gas only through Gazprom," Bekteshi said. North Macedonia is 100-percent dependent on Russian natural gas, provided through the gas pipeline in Bulgaria. Gazprom until 2030 has leased all gas transport capacities leading to the border with North Macedonia. The National Bank has restored rubles in the foreign currency exchange list, which allows for gas to be paid with rubles.