Minsk, Moscow agree on parallel operation of energy systems for creation of common electricity market

MINSK. July 12 (Interfax) - The energy ministries of Belarus and Russia have agreed on changes to the agreement on the parallel operation of the two countries' energy systems, the Belarusian ministry reported.

The ministry said that now "internal government procedures are being carried out for signing the document," which was agreed during a meeting between Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich and Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov that was held in Moscow on Tuesday.

The ministers discussed the creation and operation of common electricity and gas markets between the two countries, the ministry said.

Russia's Energy Ministry said in a statement that the ministers also discussed further integration in the gas sector. "The union program for establishing a unified gas market includes measures for further integration in the gas sector following the implementation of the whole package of union programs. The principles for establishing a unified gas market are being worked out," Shulginov was quoted as saying by the ministry's press service.

Belarus and Russia earlier agreed to transition to a common electricity market as of January 1, 2024 in the form of trading between authorized organizations, and move to deeper integration in the electricity sector as of January 1, 2027.