Venezuela confirms plans to supply up to 10 mln tonnes of oil to Belarus in 2011
MINSK. Feb 2 (Interfax)- Venezuela is confirming its readiness to supply Belarus with up to 10 million tonnes of oil annually in 2011-2012, as well as the country's intention of fully complying with oil swap contracts with Azerbaijan.
"Venezuela undertakes to deliver up to ten million tonnes of oil to Belarus in 2011-2012. But considering the high transport costs for direct shipments, we have proposed the delivery of Azerbaijani oil under swap contracts. This means that Azerbaijan is receiving Venezuelan oil directly from Venezuela and selling it on the markets of Caribbean-basin countries. All contracts will be fulfilled, there is no problem with this," Venezuelan Ambassador to Belarus Americo Dias Nunes said at a Wednesday press conference in Minsk.
"The issue is one of substitution, of additional deliveries, so as to ensure these ten million tonnes for Belarus," Nunes said.
The main goal of cooperation between his country and Belarus is "supplying both Belarusian refineries so they can operate normally," he said.
Matters involving Venezuelan companies buying into Belarusian refineries will be discussed at a bilateral economic trade commission meeting to be held in Caracas this month, Nunes said.
"Venezuela will in the near future propose that Belarus host a meeting of the joint commission. It will discuss issues of Venezuela's involvement in the ownership of Belarusian oil refineries. We will discuss the refineries' investment projects, other issues, and the fulfillment of joint agreements. It's possible that a decision will be made there," Nunes said.
The commission also plans to finalize the coordination of timing for an official visit to Venezuela by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, he said.
Venezuela expects Belarus to decide specifically when the commission will meet. "But it will be in February, and the location will be Caracas," Nunes said.
