Ukrainian Premier in Davos Pledges to Ensure Stable Transit of Hydrocarbons

Excerpt from report by Ukrainian television NTN on 26 January

[Presenter] Another day of discussions on the improvement of the world in Davos, which is the declared official objective of the World Economic Forum. This year they are planning to improve the world by ensuring energy security. Ukraine has made its own statements on the subject.

[Correspondent] The World Economic Forum in Davos recovers its serious status – no stars of show business and traditional amusements. They talk about business only. Most frequently, they talk about energy security. Ukraine will help to improve energy security in Europe and will strictly fulfil all previously signed contracts, Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko said at the World Economic Forum.

The Ukrainian delegation in Davos is led by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Earlier, Yanukovych said that Ukraine is ready to offer Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia to form an alliance to transit oil to the West. According to Yanukovych, Ukraine can increase volumes of oil and gas transit to Europe, and these supplies will be reliable.

[Yanukovych] There are many ways in which Ukraine is integrated into the world economy. We would like Ukraine not only be on time, but sometimes make steps in advance regarding the development of our country. There are many ways to achieve this, in particular, in energy sphere.

[Correspondent] Ukraine made another remarkable statement in Davos: apart for guarantees of the supplies of hydrocarbons, Viktor Yanukovych also promised state guarantees to investors who will work in this field. Yanukovych said that ministers understand the importance of being quickly prepared to the switching to world prices for energy resources. There is a special programme developed regarding this, he said.

Yanukovych also said that Ukraine plans to decrease its dependence on the supplies of Russian hydrocarbons. Kiev is planing to increase the extraction of hydrocarbons on Ukraine’s territory and on the territory of third countries, Yanukovych said.

[Passage omitted: Russia presents Shtokmanovskoye gas field project.]

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