Kazakh and Russian leaders discussed creation of three-party gas union with Uzbekistan at Moscow talks - Kazakh leader's press secretary

ALMATY. Nov 29 (Interfax) - At their talks in Moscow, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia discussed the possibility of establishing a "three-party gas union" with Uzbekistan to coordinate efforts during the transportation of Russian gas, the Kazakh leader's press secretary Ruslan Zheldibai said.

"During the talks in the Kremlin, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia discussed the creation of a three-party gas union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with the aim of coordinating efforts during the transportation of Russian gas across the territory of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan," Zheldibai said.

More detailed talks will have to be held involving the three countries' experts to find a rational solution to this issue heeding the interests of all parties concerned, he said.

It was reported yesterday that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that he supports the idea put forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin to set up a trilateral Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan union, which will also tackle issues in the gas sector.