Turkmenistan and Gazprom discuss new pipeline route

President Niyazov had a meeting with Alexei Miller, head of Gazprom, to discuss the long term gas supply arrangements to Russia and construction of a new pipeline to expand gas export capacity of Turkmenistan. Turkmen has already committed till 2028 to supply from 5 to 80 bn cm of gas to Gazprom.
Turkmenistan and Gazprom discussed various possibilities to expand the present gas export system. It was agreed to prepare an agreement for design and evaluation work to create new and reconstruct existing gas export network.

With mutual consent the draft agreement would be prepared within next 2-3 weeks. The document would envisage a new route and Gazprom would be responsible for construction of the new pipeline through all transit countries.
The sides also discussed present arrangements and confirmed that Gazprom, the world’s largest gas monopoly, would buy 5 bn cm of gas in 2004.
"Key to success gas transportation system lies in successful realization of long term agreements," said Niyazov. He stressed that Ukraine and Russia are keen to buy Turkmen gas and Turkmenistan is committed to sell according to the agreements.

Niyazov called for creation of new gas transportation capacity to handle the long-term inter-governmental agreements. Miller agreed with this point of view and noted that it was necessary to activate mutual interaction to guarantee such requirements.
Miller also called for bolstering cooperation in the gas sector. He said Russia was keen to strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership with Turkmenistan.