RIA Novosti reported that the South Stream project, which Greece carries out jointly with Russia, remains a priority for the country.

Ms Konstantina Birbili environment, energy and climate change minister of Greece said at a meeting with Mr Marcel Kramer CEO of South Stream that the Greek government considers South Stream one of its priority energy projects, which enhance energy security by diversifying delivery routes.

Ms Birbili said that her country, which is to receive natural gas for domestic needs via the pipeline and transit it further to Italy would continue efforts to promote the project within the European Union. All research needed for construction is going smoothly.

The USD 21.5 billion pipeline which will transport up to 63 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, is being developed by Italy's Eni and Russian gas giant Gazprom. French EdF and Germany's Wintershall will also participate in the project with 10% and 15% of shares, respectively. Russia plans to launch the pipeline in 2015.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)