Moscow, Minsk agree on terms of oil, gas supplies to Belarus, they'll be finalized soon - Lukashenko

MINSK. May 24 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have agreed on the terms and conditions of oil and gas deliveries to Belarus from Russia, Lukashenko said at his meeting with Putin.

"Energy supply determines the smooth work of the industrial sector and the cost of final products. It's necessary to finalize the terms and conditions of oil and gas supplies to the Republic of Belarus. We've been discussing this for years, and Vladimir [Putin] made the relevant decision today. And I think the governments will finalize these agreements accordingly within the next few days. We've reviewed all the nuances in detail," Lukashenko said.

Putin also said that the two countries have reached certain agreements and he is confident that they will be implemented.

"Indeed, energy is among the critical areas. We've also had an in-depth conversation about this in a narrow format. There are certain agreements. I have no doubt that all of them will be implemented. Our colleagues have certain directives to finalize some issues that have still not been finalized. But that's in fact only about some details, and there's nothing significant there. Certainly, the smooth operation of the corresponding fuel and energy facilities will be ensured," Putin said.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Putin said the two countries were working on building a common market, including that in the gas sector.

"As concerns gas, all parameters have been agreed upon for years to come. Beyond that horizon, we'll have to forge solutions that meet the interests of our Belarusian friends and the Russian economy," Putin said.

A memo for the negotiations between the two presidents said that, "in the energy sector, coordination of approaches toward building common oil, gas, and electricity markets is continuing."

"Russia supplies Belarus with oil duty-free. Privileged and comfortable terms for Russian gas supplies for 2023-2025 have been set," it said.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists, "On gas, we have terms and conditions valid through the end of 2025, and we'll take a look at the period beyond this term, as per instructions given by our presidents."