Moscow is interested in cooperation with Belarus in oil, gas spheres on market conditions :: Charter'97 :: News

Russia is interested in cooperation with Belarus in the oil and gas spheres on market conditions, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov told reporters following a session of the Union State`s Council of Ministers in Moscow on June 29.

The Russian premier described cooperation in the oil and gas sphere as "a key factor in the development of relations between the two countries." "Balanced decisions should be made in this sphere, with due regard for the Belarusian economy`s readiness to accept them," the Praim Tass news agency quoted him as saying.

Russia`s Gazprom and Belarusian companies are currently in talks on gas supply conditions, the Russian premier said. "Experts are working, Belarusian colleagues are holding talks with Gazprom on supplies. This asks time and we treat it with understanding, confirming our interest in cooperation on marker conditions," he was quoted as saying.

Mr. Fradkov announced that the meeting also had focused on Belarus` request for a stabilization loan from Moscow. He did not elaborate on the matter. //BelaPAN