Coordination mechanism could be 1st step toward Kazakh-Uzbek-Russian 'gas union,' says Moscow

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - To create a trilateral "gas union," Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan may first need to form a coordination mechanism, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

This mechanism could be established with "a certain legal entity for cooperation between these three countries, and for infrastructure development, then for foreign markets," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow, noting that negotiations on the matter were yet to take place with the other two countries.

At a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said his counterpart Vladimir Putin had proposed the gas union and that he would call Uzbekistan's leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss it.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's energy needs are rising as they develop, said Peskov, also citing the need to coordinate on gas sales to foreign markets.

As partners in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Russia and Kazakhstan have common plans on developing their respective energy sectors and for creating common energy markets, added the Russian official, noting that EEU observer Uzbekistan is also interested in joining the union.

He said Russia currently provides gas to the northern areas of Kazakhstan, where the Central Asian country has no energy fields of its own.

The idea of creating a gas union by Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is "extremely relevant" and is within the interests of the three nations, according to Peskov.

"We're talking about the fact that this is a huge, vast territory in a very important region, and, of course, the routes of energy supplies, gas, and so on are extremely relevant for this territory ... This will meet the interests of all three countries mentioned."

Asked about energy cooperation with China, Peskov said Russia had "developed dialogue in energy" with Chinese partners, engaged in various areas.

"The Russian side is open to such cooperation and is interested in it," he said.

To a question what steps should be done by Ukraine to launch peace talks with Russia, apart from lifting legislative ban, Peskov said: "There must be a political will and readiness to discuss Russia's demands that are well-known."

In 2021, Russia presented its security concerns that include Ukraine's accession to NATO and establishment of the alliance's military infrastructure on its territory.