You're reading: Gazprom, North Korea in gas pipeline talks

Russian state-controlled OAO Gazprom natural gas giant says it has discussed prospects for building a pipeline to the Korean Peninsula with energy officials from both Koreas.

It says Gazprom head Alexei Miller and North Korean Oil Industry Minister Kim Hui Yong reached an agreement to create a working group on the project during their talks in Moscow on Sept.15.

Gazprom says Miller also met separately with Choo Kang-soo, head of the South Korea’s state-run Korea Gas Corporation, and they agreed on a roadmap.

North Korea had long been reluctant about the prospect of helping its neighbor and archenemy increase its gas supply, but recently has shown interest in the project. The South wants Russian energy but is wary of North Korean influence over its energy supply.