The cooperation horizon for gas between Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan is set at 15 years, and a long-term cooperation agreement can be concluded in mid-2024. This was announced by the head of "Gazprom," Alexey Miller, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, TASS reports.
"We are laying the groundwork for our long-term cooperation. We have determined the scope of our cooperation with our colleagues from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan - 15 years. [...] The meetings and negotiations that have already taken place and will continue to occur at the forum are aimed at signing memorandums in the current period to establish a legally binding contractual basis for cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan for 15 years by mid-2024," he said.
According to Miller, the economies of these countries are developing rapidly, and the parties are discussing further expansion of Russian gas supplies, as well as the expansion of gas transportation capacities in Kazakhstan through the Central Asia - Center trunk gas pipeline system. This pertains not only to transit capacities but also to the delivery of Russian gas to consumers in these countries.
Miller also stated that "Gazprom" considers the possibility of transit gas through the territories of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan to third countries.
"Yes, such a possibility also exists. We have discussed transit opportunities that these countries can provide," Miller explained.
Earlier, Miller mentioned that business circles in some Western countries would prefer to restore gas flows from Russia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 2, 2023