Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev expressed hope that the South Stream project would receive the necessary permits for its completion.

Plevneliev said in an interview for Czech daily Lidove Noviny, that Bulgaria has not yet received an official statement from Russia on the cancellation of the project, Darik radio reports.

Therefore, the Bulgarian government continued with the preparatory works on the project.

Plevneliev reaffirmed Bulgaria's position that the project can be completed on the condition that it is compatible with the legal norms of the European Union (EU).

The President assured that Bulgaria wants to continue its partnership with Russia, but on the condition that Moscow conducts the negotiations as a partner.

According to Plevneliev, a partner would send a letter to its counterpart informing of its plans, but since Russia has not behaved in such a way, Bulgaria was still lacking official information on the project's cancellation.

At present, there was only a public statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was a very emotional speech that raised many speculations and questions, Plevneliev reminded.

The Bulgarian Head of State revealed the next steps Bulgaria plans to take towards the diversification of the gas supplies.

One of the measures foresees the construction of a pipeline with Greece until the end of 2016, which will be carried out with EU funds.

As regards Russia, Plevneliev assured that the door still remained open and Russian investments continue to be welcomed if they are compatible with the legal norms of the EU.