The construction of gas distribution section Klecovce-Stip, a US$75 million investment, has been completed.

Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev, VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, Stroytransgaz general director Mikhail Khryapov, Macedonian Energy Resources (MER)-Skopje executive manager Krste Miladinov and Russian embassy official Konstanin Bersenev attended the event marking the project's completion, held in Stip on Friday.

"The total length of this section is 61km, enabling accelerated spreading of the entire gas distribution network across Macedonia. The next section, due to be launched in August, is Stip-Negotino-Kavadarci. The construction of two more sections (Kavadarci-Negotino-Prilep-Bitola and Skopje-Tetovo-Gostivar) is to begin in September", said PM Dimitriev.

He stressed that these sections would be followed by the construction of Stip-Radovis-Gevgelija fork, which would link Macedonia with Greece, followed by Strumica-Novo Selo with Bulgaria, and Gostivar-Kicevo-Struga-Qafasan with Albania.

"A total of 204km of the gas distribution network, an investment of over EUR 150 million, will be built over a four-year period. The Government is focused on bringing gas as an energy resource to Macedonian companies and households as soon as possible", added Dimitriev.

Russian Embassy representative Bersenev said the construction of the first section of the gas pipeline network cost US$75 million, of which US$60 million of the Russian clearing debt from the former USSR to Macedonia, while the remaining US$15 million have been allocated from the Macedonian budget.

"The new gas distribution network will provide Macedonia with natural gas from Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece. Furthermore, Macedonian companies have obtained priceless experience regarding the construction and rehabilitation of gas distribution facilities", said Bersenev.

MER general manager Miladinov said the construction of the 61km-long gas distribution section is one of the largest projects realized in Macedonia.

"The project has been completed, but it also represents a herald of new ones, which will benefit the economy and households, but also protect the environment", he said.

Stroytransgaz general director Khryapov said cooperation with Macedonian counterparts has been a big experience.

"Stroytransgaz has implemented numerous projects in the field of energy in many countries. We are proud that Macedonia entrusted us with building the first section of the national gas distribution network", added Khryapov.