Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10
Trend:
Russia and Turkey intend to hold a meeting in December to discuss a new gas pipeline construction, and the parties are now analyzing various options for its route, RIA Novosti news agency quoted Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying Dec. 10.
Novak said talks are currently underway at the level of business entities, since they need to clearly define the route, and to consider various options of location of a hub.
"There are different options, so in the first place, it is necessary to analyze all the technical and economic indicators. This is a process that is dealt today by Gazprom and Botas," the minister added.
Novak said the costs of laying the pipeline through the Black Sea's bottom are considered depending on the distance and the route's passage through the mainland, in other words economy, time and date are taken into account.
He went on to add that it is a simple comparative analysis of various options.
Earlier, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said the talks on gas issues can take place this week.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin said Dec. 1 during talks in Turkey that Russia can't in the current condition continue implementing the 'South Stream' project, including due to a non-constructive stance of the EU.
At the same time, Russia will build a new gas pipeline system in order to meet the needs of Turkey.