Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, 31 December / Trend G. Gasanov /
I am sure that next year, teamwork and friendly dialogue will contribute to the progressive strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of peoples of both countries, peace maintanence and stability in Central Asia, said in a letter of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The letter, dated for commemoration of the New Year is published in local media. "This year was marked by all-round development of Russian-Turkmen relations, based on a strong tradition, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, "said in the text.
Medvedev said that he recalls the meeting "with warmth" in Turkmenistan and Russia. According to him, in the course of the contacts the general mood at the further implementation of large scale projects in economy, trade, investment and humanitarian spheres, coordination in regional and international affairs was
confirmed.
The Russian leader also said that he "appreciates the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust that has developed in the Russian-Turkmen relationships."
Recent high-level talks were held in Turkmenbashi town on 21-22 October 2010. LSC Gazprom has traditionally bought almost the entire export volume of Turkmen gas. However, on the eve of the meeting Berdymukhammedov pointed out that "the world financial and economic crisis has slowed the pace of joint
projects with Russia in this field.
By the proposal of Ashgabat to boost gas supplies to Russia the Kremlin reacted in a restraint manner to the proposal of Ashgabat to boost gas supplies to Russia during the recent negotiations referring to the reduced demand in the European market, which demands Russia is able to satisfy itself at this stage.
On the other hand, earlier Gazprom being vigorous with the expectation term contracted volumes of fuel in other states of the Caspian region, while reducing imports of gas from Turkmenistan - in 2008 the volume was about 40 billion cubic meters of gas per year in 2010 - just ten billion. Volumes deliveries for 2011 have not yet made public.