Russian oil cos prepared to help develop fields in Turkmenistan

MOSCOW. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Russian oil companies are ready to participate in joint projects to develop fields in Turkmenistan, the Russian government website reported after a meeting in Ashgabat between Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Shahym Abdrakhmanov.

They discussed cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sector, construction of gas infrastructure, the electric power industry, renewable energy sources, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and maintaining environmental safety in the Caspian Sea.

"Our countries and peoples are old friends and reliable partners, time-tested and bound by

centuries-old ties of friendship and neighbourliness. Moscow and Ashgabat are ready to further expand cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests," Novak was quoted as saying in the statement.

The press release also said that Russian companies are prepared to offer their services to upgrade Turkmenistan's electric power system, as well as supply Russian equipment.