Gazprom's new contract with Belarus must take into account CU - Medvedev
SOCHI. Aug 15 (Interfax) - Those drafting a new gas contract with Belarus should take into account the creation of the Customs Union and the acquisition of the second half-stake in Beltransgaz, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at a meeting with Gazprom chief Alexei Miller at the presidential residence in Sochi.
The current gas contract expires this year, he said at the start of the meeting.
"At the moment, there are substantial conditions affecting the content of the relevant contract: the emergence of the Customs Union (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan), whereby our economies have become significantly closer, and this should be taken into account; and secondly, the acquisition of the remaining 50% in Beltransgaz," Medvedev said.
"This creates slightly different conditions for the presence of Russia, Gazprom, on the Belarusian market. And I believe it will be right to take this into account when preparing a contract," the president said.
"Start working with Belarusian partners, and I hope you will be able to prepare a good contract for our cooperation," said the head of state.