Lukashenko: Belarus is ready to offer a larger gas transit capacity to Gazprom

MINSK, 21 August (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to offer a larger gas transit capacity to Gazprom. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with Gazprom Chairman of the Board Alexei Miller on 21 August, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian head of state said: “We are ready to provide the capacity to Gazprom, if it is necessary, if Europe needs it, to transit more natural gas via Belarus.”

“You can rest absolutely assured that for you Belarus is no foreign country,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. The President remarked that there are no problems, issues or even minor hitches in economic relations with Gazprom as the key supplier of the resources the Belarusian economy needs. “There are only things we can discuss regarding our future actions for the sake of expanding cooperation,” said the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the construction of the multifunctional complex Gazprom Center proceeds in line with the agreed schedule. “Have no doubt that you will never be blamed for starting this construction project worth roughly $250 million. The project represents a huge investment, even for Gazprom, and it comes at a complicated time,” said the President. He thanked Alexei Miller for the accurate fulfillment of all agreements. “I thank you for it. You should know that we are always ready to offer a helping hand to you,” noted the Belarusian leader.

In turn, Alexei Miller stressed that Gazprom will honor all the goals and tasks set by the Belarusian government regarding the development of the gas industry in Belarus. The company is going to invest more, in particular, in the construction of gas pipelines in the regions and gas distributor stations. Alexei Miller also mentioned Gazprom’s decision to buy more equipment in Belarus in the medium term.