The message reads, in part:
“This is an important event not just for Serbia and the other countries in the Balkan Peninsula, but for the entire European continent.
Crossing the Black Sea, South Stream links Russia’s richest gas fields to the major markets of southeast Europe. This will guarantee reliable energy supplies for European consumers without transit risks and will make a major contribution to strengthening international energy security.
The pipeline’s construction – a project unprecedented in scale – will bring investment into Serbia and the neighbouring countries, help to create new jobs and facilitate continued social and economic development. With a newly expanded and modernised gas transport system, Serbia will become one of Europe’s key energy centres.
The cooperation between Russia and Serbia on the South Stream project is a logical part of the constructive partnership that our two countries have built on the foundation of the longstanding traditions of friendship between our two nations.”