Greece is seeking to secure benefits from the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is set to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, the Greek Energy Minister said on Wednesday.
The 870 km (540 mile) pipeline will link Azerbaijan's giant Shah Deniz II field with Italy, crossing through Turkey, Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea.
Greek Energy Minister Lafazanis met Azeri officials in Athens earlier this week, including executives from TAP stakeholders BP and Azeri state energy firm SOCAR, and agreed to start discussions on the benefits Greece could expect from allowing the pipeline to cross its territory.
"Without questioning our support for TAP, we want offsetting benefits for our country and our people ... which we think is reasonable and fair," Lafazanis told an energy conference.
An energy official told reporters that Greece might ask for a stake in the pipeline, or charge transit fees.
Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner
Sources: Reuters Africa, The Economic Time India