Skopje, 8 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) in Athens, discussing possibilities for new interconnections as well as Bulgaria's initiative to expand the gas infrastructure near the Macedonian border.  

The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said in a press release on Saturday that Bozhinovska had intensive diplomatic activity, holding bilateral meetings with the US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, the Greek Minister of Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, the CEO of the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO – ADMIE), Manos Manousakis, as well as with her Bulgarian counterpart, Zhecho Stankov.

Bozhinovska and Stankov highlighted the importance of the East-West Transmission Corridor (EWTC) project as a key initiative in strengthening regional connectivity, market integration and increasing renewable energy capacities, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.

"Talks also highlighted Bulgaria's initiative to expand the gas infrastructure near the Macedonian border, which will contribute to greater availability and lower gas prices, as well as increased energy security in the region. In this regard, the two sides agreed to organize a joint meeting between representatives of the two countries for better coordination and exchange of information on joint projects," reads the press release.

Talks with the CEO of the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO – ADMIE), Manousakis, focused on deepening technical cooperation and opportunities for new interconnections that will contribute to a stable and sustainable regional energy system.

"The P-TEC forum confirmed that our country is an active and reliable partner when it comes to energy stability, strategic investments and a secure future for the region," said Minister Bozhinovska.

She expressed particular gratitude to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and to the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, for the support and attention they have devoted to North Macedonia.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Minister also met with Croatian Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Giorgos Papanastasiou, as well as Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission.

P-TEC is the flagship platform for energy ministers and delegations from Central and Eastern Europe to work cooperatively with the US Department of Energy, other US agencies, and the private sector to address energy issues in Central and Eastern Europe. The United States, the European Union and 24 European countries, among them North Macedonia, are participating in the initiative.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources