Kyiv, August 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Boiko, Chairman of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy Yevhen Bakulin and Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller discussed the workload for Ukraine's gas transport system during a working meeting in Moscow, August 20, 2010.
As the Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Ministry’s press service reported, the sides also discussed both countries’ strategic partnership in the energy sector.
In Boiko’s words, the issue of workload for the Ukrainian gas transport system is extremely important to Ukraine’s energy security.
"We would like to receive guarantees from Gazprom that the amount of transit supplies will be sufficient. The talks with Russia are aimed at ensuring we’re included in the transport flows of Russian gas," the press service quotes Boiko as saying.
Gazprom’s press service reported earlier that the Moscow negotiations also covered the creation of a joint venture by Gazprom and Naftogaz.
As reported, Ukraine earlier announced it had prepared projects for the modernization and completion of Ukraine’s gas transport system, and that this was a less expensive and more efficient option than the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov pointed out the importance of using Ukraine’s gas transport system at 1005 capacity. He said Ukraine is ready to put forward a number of serious proposals that will be interesting both to Russia and the European Union.
Boiko in turn stressed then that Ukraine wants the Ukrainian gas transport system to work at full capacity, and for it to be modernized, which will boost amounts of gas it can pump.
