Events

In particular, prospects of advancing cooperation in petrochemical industry and supplies of Belarusian agricultural products to Russia were talked over.

A working meeting of Vladimir Semashko and Chairman of the Board of OAO Gazprom Alexei Miller took place in Moscow the same day. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko took part in the meeting.

The sides discussed cooperation in gas industry. It was noted that Gazprom is a reliable supplier of natural gas for Belarusian consumers. For the sake of getting through the autumn-winter period in a comfortable manner the company has increased the operating reserve of natural gas in Belarusian underground gas storage facilities from 920 million m3 (as of the beginning of the gas withdrawal season in 2013) to over 1 billion m3, with the top daily output increased from 18 to 31 million m3.

Over the last two years investments in the modernization and reconstruction of the gas transport system in Belarus nearly doubled to approach RUB3 billion in 2013. There are plans to raise the figure to nearly RUB4 billion this year. Apart from that, the justification of investment in the development of Belarus’ gas transport system is being worked out.

Alexei Miller and Vladimir Semashko paid close attention to supplies of natural gas to Belarus and natural gas transit via the country in 2015-2017. It was noted that new contracts are approaching their readiness stage.

The meeting also mentioned Gazprom’s active participation in Belarus’ social and economic development, said the press service. The company puts consistent efforts into advancing cooperation with Belarusian companies. The roadmap for 2014-2016 that has been signed recently will allow expanding the use of high-tech products and technologies of Belarusian manufacturers at Gazprom facilities.