Russian-Kazakh-Uzbek gas cooperation to be discussed during Mishustin's visit to Uzbekistan - Russia's Novak

SAMARKAND. Dec 2 (Interfax) - The possibility of establishing a trilateral gas union between Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will be discussed during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to Uzbekistan, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.

"Yes, cooperation in the gas sector will be discussed," Novak told reporters on the sidelines of a Russia-Uzbekistan business forum in Samarkand, when asked whether the gas union issue will be discussed.

During his December 1-2 visit to Uzbekistan, Mishustin and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov will chair a meeting of the two countries' Joint Commission at the level of prime ministers in Samarkand and will address the plenary session of the business forum.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting with Mishustin on November 28 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken at talks about the need to establish a trilateral union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Tokayev also said that the Kazakh side "needs to take a closer look at this issue" in order to "reach the desired results and agreements."