Turkmenistan has expressed bewilderment over the Russian side's statement regarding the interest of "other countries" in joining the gas alliance of Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Ashgabat perceives this as Russia's attempt to expand its influence over the natural gas supply chain from Central Asia to China. Deputy Chairman of the state concern "Turkmengaz," Myrad Archayev, commented on the matter, noting that the Russian Foreign Ministry representative's statement raises several questions.
He further emphasized the need for clarity in the formulations used by the Russian diplomat, as they involve the interests of other countries, including Turkmenistan. Archayev reminded that Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have long been engaged in transporting natural gas to China. Gas from Turkmenistan's fields is supplied through the Turkmenistan-China pipeline, jointly built by Turkmenistan and China. Out of the total agreed-upon annual supply volume of 55 billion cubic meters, Turkmenistan has contracted 40 billion cubic meters, while the remainder is supplied by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Archayev stated that there are no provisions for sourcing gas from other countries to fill the pipeline, and the plans to expand the participants in the "Turkmenistan-China" pipeline project are not part of the existing gas supply distribution scheme to China.
He added that Turkmenistan adheres to its obligations to its Chinese, Uzbek, and Kazakh partners and expects reciprocity. Any changes to the agreed-upon gas supply volumes and schemes using the existing infrastructure require prior agreement from all participants without exception.
Archayev expressed serious concern about the Russian Foreign Ministry's statements, which could lead to ambiguity and speculation regarding their implementation by other participants.
He concluded that as a responsible state, Turkmenistan believes that international cooperation, especially in such a crucial sector as energy supply, should be based on open and clear criteria, mutual respect, and consideration of interests, while strictly adhering to established agreements. Fluctuations in the global economic environment should not serve as a reason to change these principles.
Source: Asiaplustj.info,
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 14, 2023