An intergovernmental committee between Bulgaria and Russia has discussed Sofia's gas hub project and the modernization of nuclear units in its first session in five years.

Russian is now seen as one of the sources that could pump gas into the distribution center, according to the Bulgarian Economy Ministry's press office.

The two sides have agreed, during their Wednesday session in Sofia, Bulgaria, to cooperate on the modernization of Units 5 and 6 of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant.

Electricity distribution system operators of Bulgaria and Russia will also work together to study each other's experience in cases of emergency and severe climate conditions.

The ministry has underlined Russia's importance as "an energy partner" to Bulgaria.

The joint session was presided by Bulgaria's economy and energy ministers, Bozhidar Lukarski and Temenuzhka Petkova respectively, and Russian Deputy Justice Minister Sergey Gerasimov.

Earlier, Russia has shown tacit reservations to the gas hub project, stopping short of commenting its discussions on the issue held with Bulgarian energy officials.

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov proposed the gas hub days after Russia dropped the South Stream pipeline project citing opposition from the EU.