OREANDA-NEWS. On 04 August 2009 was announced, that Minister of Energy of Russia Sergei Shmatko expressed confidence "in the successful conclusion of negotiations with Turkmenistan on the purchase of natural gas".

"I know that Gazprom and Turkmengaz have a constructive dialogue, the Minister said today in Khabarovsk. We have long been partners in the gas business. The gas conflict has not affected the efficient interaction of Russia and Turkmenistan."

According to him, on the one hand "Turkmenistan is disappointed with the situation related to lesser gas intake by Russia." But on the other hand, the minister believes that "there were objective reasons for gas import cuts, including the price." The Minister expressed confidence that the talks would conclude successfully.