Ukraine expects Moscow to help modernize gas transport system: PM

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Tuesday that Kiev is turning to Moscow for help in the modernization of its gas transport system.

Azarov said Kiev had repeatedly asked for Moscow's assistance and now it is ready to officially invite Moscow to improve its gas transport system.

Moscow had offered a merger of its energy giant Gazprom with Ukraine's state oil and gas company Naftogaz. But Ukraine rejected the offer and hoped that Naftogaz could cooperate with Gazprom in joint projects such as modernization of Ukraine's gas transportation system, and oil and gas exploration in Ukraine and other countries.

"I think Russia will change its position in light of our practical steps. We are expecting such a result," Azarov said during his visit to a town in Kiev region.

According to Azarov, the first step of Ukraine's gas transport system upgrading is the modernization and reconstruction of the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod gas pipeline.

Naftogaz started large-scale reconstruction on Tuesday. Officials say it will be completed in the near future.

Source: Xinhua

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