Russian PM gives no confirmation of oil pipeline route

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Russian PM gives no confirmation of oil pipeline route

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov did not confirm which route Russia will choose for an oilpipeline project after his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday.

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov did not confirm which route Russia will choose for an oil pipeline project after his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday.

In a joint statement released after the talks, both sides agreed "the pipeline linking to Russia's Pacific coast is important from the viewpoint of the development of Russia's East Siberia and Far East, the effective uses of the regions' energy resources and the stable energy supply in the Asia-Pacific region."

The Russian government is considering building a key oil pipeline from its vast Siberian reserves to the Asia-Pacific region. There are three options currently under consideration: a pipeline from Angarsk, near Irkutsk in western Siberia, to Daqing in northeastern China; from Angarsk to Nakhodka on Russia's Pacific coast; or a pipeline to Nakhodka with a branch line to China.

The first option will be less costly, but Japan is lobbying Russia to take the second route, arguing the plan would enable Russia to export oil not only to Japan but also to other nations.

Earlier in the day, Kasyanov said at the business gathering that Russia's decision will be based not only on political and geopolitical factors but also on economic consideration, according to Kyodo News.

Koizumi and Kasyanov also agreed to establish a bilateral body to promote trade at an early date after April 2004.

Both sides "confirmed the importance of achieving an early accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization."

In the statement, Japan once again called for Russia to ratify the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on global warming to achieve an early implementation of the pact.

The leaders also confirmed the importance of continuing to promote negotiations for a bilateral peace treaty based on past agreements.

They pledged to strengthen cooperation in dealing with illegal fishing and smuggling of marine products to Japan by Russian ships.

Kasyanov arrived in Tokyo on Monday afternoon for a three day visit. He is expected to visit Kyoto on Wednesday.

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