Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hellenic Republic on Cooperation in Construction and Operation of the Gas Pipeline on the Territory of the Hellenic Republic (Moscow, 29 April 2008)

The Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hellenic Republic, hereinafter referred to as the Parties,

Aiming to facilitate the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in ensuring stable long-term supplies of natural gas from the Russian Federation to the Hellenic Republic, as well as its transit to other countries,

Seeking to enhance energy security of European countries by diversifying the routes of supply of natural gas to European markets, among others, through the territory of the Hellenic Republic,

Supporting the construction of a new gas pipeline system to transit and supply natural gas to European countries including Greece from the Russian Federation via the Black Sea, as well as through the territory of the Hellenic Republic,

Wishing to create conditions for the design, construction, operation and exploitation of the aforementioned gas pipeline system in accordance with the legislation of the States of the Parties and the international agreements to which the Russian Federation and the Hellenic Republic are signatories,

Taking into account the fulfillment by the Parties of obligations contained in previous intergovernmental agreements between the Parties on cooperation in the natural gas sector,

Taking into account the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Hellenic Republic on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments dated 30.06.1993, and the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hellenic Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital dated 26.06.2000,

Have agreed as follows: