OAO Gazprom may take part in buying shares of Belarusian enterprises in addition to Beltransgaz, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with Gazprom CEO Aleksei Miller on 23 September.

“Thank you for your taking time to visit us and discuss fundamental matters regarding cooperation with your huge company,” Alexander Lukashenko told Aleksei Miller. “Everybody is accustomed to seeing only one problem between Belarus and Gazprom – prices for future deliveries of natural gas. But since a long time ago, before your arrival in Gazprom, negotiations have been conducted for Belarus and Gazprom to expand cooperation. Interesting projects were shaping up. I am inclined to discuss them because you and me haven’t met for a long time and the number of projects to discuss can be considerable”.

According to the Belarusian head of state, the projects include those that envisage natural gas as a raw material required to make a certain commodity and other projects. “There are many projects. Among them is the corporatization and purchase of Beltransgaz shares, maybe shares of other companies that Gazprom might be interested in, providing Gazprom agrees to the terms Belarus offers today. There is a set of matters we are ready to attend to,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that the day before during Aleksei Miller’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Belarus a fundamental agreement was reached to advance these talks. “I would like to hear about this progress. It is very important for us,” said the Belarusian head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko also said: “I know that you don’t dabble in politics but nevertheless, the matter [of prices for natural gas deliveries to Belarus] is becoming a political one when we are slow to address issues with Gazprom. It is desirable to resolve them promptly,” said the President of Belarus.

He also remarked these problems had been discussed both with Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev at a recent meeting in Sochi. “I was very satisfied with the meeting and I think we can continue working along this trend,” added the Belarusian head of state.