Greece is establishing itself as an energy nodal point in south-eastern Europe with the functioning of the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline that Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan will inaugurate shortly. The two men met on Evros Bridge and greeted each other. In 2005, they had also greeted each other on the same spot, within the framework of the inauguration of works. Present at the inauguration ceremony was the president of Azerbaijan and the US Minister of Energy.

The two prime ministers met at 12:15 and the inauguration ceremony began with the two leaders’ speeches at 12:30. At about 14:00, the officials crossed to the Greek side to visit the control room. Then, a reception will take place, to be followed by the two prime ministers’ speeches. At about 15:00, Mr Karamanlis will meet with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The pipeline will transfer from the Caspian Sea via Turkey and Greece to Italy and from there to central Europe 11.5billion cubic metres of natural gas annually.

Delivering a speech at the inauguration ceremony Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis reported "we can plan actions and materialize projects that contribute in building a better future" adding that "Greece, the government and all Greeks are striving for good neighbourly relations and the steady approach between the two peoples." From his side, the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan wished that the two countries’ cooperation in this first substantial project would extend to the two countries' political and cultural relations.

Sioufas: "Historical Moment"