Mr Boiko discusses in Bratislava for possible gas supplies

Cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia in the energy sector has been discussed at a conference between Slovak Prime Minister Mr Robert Fico, Slovak Economy Minister Mr Tomas Malatinsky and Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Mr Yuriy Boiko.

Mr Malatinsky said "Three areas gas, oil and energy were the subject of talks. In the gas sector, there is a need for the Ukrainian side to use Slovak company Eustream for gas transportation. There are several other possibilities, such as ensuring gas transit at our starting-point in Kapusany in the so-called swap way. Another opportunity is the physical transportation of gas and it would take about years for Eustream to prepare for this process."

He said that a third solution was as well found during the negotiations a hybrid of the first and second and it has to be discussed by Eustream.

The Slovak minister as well said that bilateral negotiations on gas would last about weeks. The Slovak and Ukrainian sides have from now on to agree on their details. As reported, in connection with statements made by Russia's Gazprom regarding a significant reduction in the transit of Russian gas to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transport system, Ukraine is considering the possibility of using its gas transportation facilities in the reverse mode. In particular, the issue concerns the supply through Slovak pipe.