Djedovic, Botsan-Kharchenko discuss energy cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic and Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko met on Friday to discuss Serbia-Russia energy cooperation and bilateral ties.

According to a statement released by her ministry, Djedovic said Russia was an important energy partner and that the present challenging times showed the significance of the construction of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline, which is contributing to Serbia's energy stability and security.

"We have ensured stable gas supplies to citizens and businesses and we have put the Pancevo thermal power and heating plant - Serbia's first gas-steam power plant - into operation, which is of great significance to energy security since its output is sufficient to supply around 300,000 households," Djedovic said.

She added that Serbia and Russia were working together on refurbishing the hydropower generator at the Djerdap 1 hydropower plant.

Most importantly, Serbia has secured oil derivative supplies for its market and sufficient crude oil quantities for the Pancevo oil refinery, she noted.

Botsan-Kharchenko said he hoped cooperation in the energy sector would be continued in the future.

He noted that the Russian side was interested in supporting the development of energy infrastructure in Serbia and in Russian companies taking part in reconstruction of energy facilities, the statement said.