Skopje, 6 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals Sanja Bozhinovska is taking part in the 8th Southeast Europe Energy Forum (SEEF 2024) in Thessaloniki, Greece, addressing panel "Energy Cooperation in the Southeast Europe & Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Turning Point For the EU's Energy Security" on Friday.

Minister Bozhinovska said after the panel she had the opportunity to speak on important energy topics that are currently in the focus of the European public, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals said in a press release.

"Together with my colleagues and energy ministers from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Romania and Egypt we exchanged opinions and views, as well as possible guidelines for energy stability, which I believe will be implemented in the coming period," Bozhinovska noted.

The Minister also addressed the challenges countries in the region face, highlighting the importance of the green transition, transition from traditional to renewable sources, and the need for decarbonization. According to her, the country, as part of a complex system, is an integral part of the regional energy system and all further investment cycles and development plans of Southeast Europe.

"All stakeholders with roles in processes related to green transition in a broader socio-economic context should be uniquely committed to building sustainable, functional, and transparent mechanisms to support regional cooperation. As a Government, we have a vital and proactive role in shaping energy security in Southeast Europe. We are engaged in the process towards economically sustainable scenarios at all levels, we've opened up a broad front of activities around just transition, which is an integral part of the green agenda; but at the same time we are using careful approach, because we still rely on basic energy sources. We are aiming to increase the use of gas, which we consider a key energy source in the coming decades, through full gasification and the construction of cogeneration plants. At the same time, we will continue to invest in renewable sources through the construction of photovoltaics and wind farms," Bozhinovska stressed.

On the sidelines of the forum, Bozhinovska met with representatives of the Greek companies HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings and DESFA, in charge of building part of the gas interconnection pipeline in the country.

SEEF 2024 is one of the most renowned events in the region assembling key polity creators, regulators, investors, private sector representatives, professors, and experts who present and share good practices on energy trends and challenges in the region. The event is organized by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Hellenic Association for Energy Economics, in cooperation with the US Embassy in Greece and strategic partnership with the Atlantic Council and U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute. ssh/ik/

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals