Government supports enlarged gas cooperation with Belarus

The Russian government has approved a draft agreement on enlarged gas cooperation with Belarus, the department of government information reported to RBC. This draft, which had been earlier discussed with Belarus officials, was initiated by several Russian ministries, including the Energy Ministry, the Justice Ministry and some other bodies. The agreement is aimed at the joint production of natural gas for meeting demand of Belarus and for uninterrupted transit of natural gas via Belarus. Finally, this agreement is necessary for coordinating the policies of Russia and Belarus concerning the development of major gas pipeline systems and for the reconstruction and extension of currently existing pipelines, underground gas depositories and other gas utilities. In addition, the agreement stipulates the joint development of new technologies, joint scientific research, projects on gas and energy saving and others.