Sakova: Necessary to Maintain Uninterrupted Flow through Druzhba Pipeline

Bratislava, 6 September (TASR) - It's necessary to maintain an uninterrupted flow through the Druzhba oil pipeline, which is crucial for the energy security of Slovakia and the entire Central European region, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) stressed at a meeting with Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk in Uzhhorod on Friday (5 September), doing so in the wake of the recent attacks on oil infrastructure on the territory of Russia by Ukraine, TASR was told by the Economy Ministry. At the bilateral meeting, the ministers agreed that energy is currently one of the most important topics for both countries. It is in their national interest to make efficient use of the existing energy infrastructure for the transportation and supply of gas and oil, as well as to make investments in upgrading and increasing capacities on electricity interconnections. "The priority remains the transportation of gas and the continuation of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. We have different views on the continuation of supplies from Russia on both issues, but we have a mutual interest in developing joint diversification projects that will be economically beneficial for both sides," said Sakova, adding that the development of cooperation will be the subject of further bilateral discussions at the upcoming joint meeting of the governments. One example is the Odesa-Brody diversification project for oil supplies. am