The project remains a priority and its completion is in the interest of Slovenia, Russia and the broader region, Bratušek was quoted as saying in a press release from her office.

Bratušek said good relations with foreign investors were crucial to the development of the Slovenian economy, with the EUR 1.1bn Slovenian section of South Stream a key project for the country.

The project was sealed in November 2012, when Slovenia and Russia confirmed the investment in the Slovenian section of South Stream. Construction is set to begin in 2015 and the pipeline is scheduled for launch in 2017.