Greek PM: New pipeline will boost Georgia-Greece energy ties

Today Georgia’s Prime Minister sat down with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras, who said the new Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) would enhance bilateral cooperation between Greece and Georgia, particularly in the energy sector.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Tsipras met in Thessaloniki, Greece this afternoon. The two officials discussed bilateral issues prior to a special ceremony marking the beginning of the TAP construction, which would transport Caspian natural gas to Europe.

Kvirikashvili, who was one of several European and American high-ranking officials expected to attend today’s ceremony, said the pipeline was of "huge importance” as it encouraged closer partnerships between Georgia and Greece in energy and economy directions.

Met @atsipras.Discussed #TAP project w/ will ensure ameliorated #energy security&deepening of #economic cooperation pic.twitter.com/Bh6H7Nj7Zj

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) May 17, 2016

Once built the TAP will offer a direct and cost-effective transportation route that will open up the vital Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500km long gas value chain stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe.

Both officials admitted Georgia and Greece could do more to enhance ties in trade, tourism and education, which would lead to increased trade turnover and greater economic cooperation.

Tsipras said he hoped Georgia’s Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU) would help the country utilise all its trade and economic opportunities offered by the deal.

Tsipras recognised the "huge effort” Georgia has made to align itself closer to Europe and move towards EU integration. He stressed Georgia was a "reliable partner” of Europe.