The meeting took place on a bridge over a river that flows between the two countries. The project is a positive step towards establishing good relations between the two countries – both members of NATO – who have long been known as historical rivals. The Greek-Turkish pipeline will offer Europe an alternative to the unstable Middle Eastern supply, and also hope to offer a more economical alternative as Middle Eastern oil prices continue to soar. The two prime ministers met on a bridge over the River Meric (known as the Evros River in Greece) to formally inaugurate the construction of the pipeline. The river runs along the border of both countries. "Turkey is a bridge between Europe and rich (oil and gas) resources in the Caspian region and the southern Mediterranean, when the diversification of oil and gas resources in the European energy market is in question," Mr Erdogan said. "This (project) will help strengthen our friendship and put an end to speculation about Greek-Turkish ties" he continued. The Greek prime minister echoed PM Erdogan's sentiment: "This pipeline is connecting two countries and two people together," Mr Caramanlis said. "But most important of all, it is the first and key link in the Southern Europe Gas Ring Project. This is a very important development which shows both countries can co-operate like never before." The 298-km pipeline will run from Bursa in Turkey to Komotini in Greece, and is set to start operation in 2006, with plans to be further extended into Italy as part of the Southern Europe Gas Ring Project. The pipeline is expected to carry 405 billion cuft/yr of gas, with expansion plans set in place to make it a successful alternative to the unstable Middle Eastern supply. Turkey has been trying to establish its role as a major energy conduit connecting Europe to the oil and gas of the Caspian Sea areas of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in Central Asia. The Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is also a sign of Turkey establishing its role of bringing oil to the West without having to go through Russia, a main aim of the United States.