Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry: no talk of creating gas union, discussions are concerning technical capabilities of gas transport systems of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan

ASTANA. Dec 12 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan are discussing the technical capabilities of their gas transport systems, as there is no talk of creating a union, Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Bolat Akchulakov told reporters on the sidelines of a government meeting on Monday.

"There is no talk of a gas union, we did not hold such talks, I can confirm that again," Akchulakov said.

He indicated that Kazakhstan is negotiating separately with Russia and Uzbekistan on gas issues.

"There are some issues that arise which we have to discuss among all three nations. This does not mean, however, that we need to create an alliance. This is a working environment. There are nuances that have to do with pumping, this requires all three parties," he said.

"We are discussing the technical capabilities of our [gas transmission - IF] systems," he said.

Previous reports suggested that a Russian initiative to create a "gas union" between Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan could be discussed at the EAEU summit on December 9 in Bishkek, which was attended by the presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's prime minister, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on December 8.