ZAGREB, Croatia, July 10 (UPI) -- Russian energy company Gazprom said it was considering more exploration work in Croatia, a host of the planned South Stream natural gas pipeline.
Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller led a delegation to Croatia to meet with President Ivo Josipovic and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic.
The Russian energy company said "special attention" was paid to the participation of Gazprom Neft, the oil production arm of Gazprom, in bidding for the rights to explore and develop energy reserve fields in Croatia in the future.
As of 2013, Croatia produced around 11,930 barrels per day on average and had proven reserves of 71 million barrels.
In terms of natural gas, Gazprom said its deliveries to Croatia during the first six months of the year were 45 percent higher than 2013.
Both sides, Gazprom said Wednesday, discussed the construction aspects of the leg of the South Stream gas pipeline through Croatia.
South Stream would travel through the Black Sea to Central Europe. Gazprom says it would provide it another option for European gas deliveries, though European leaders have expressed concern over the Russian grip on its energy sector.
Croatia joined the European Union in 2013.
