OREANDA-NEWS. The Gazprom headquarters hosted a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company's Management Committee and Vladimir Semashko, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus.

The parties discussed the cooperation in the gas sector, highlighting that Gazprom was a reliable gas supplier for Belarusian consumers. In order to ensure safe operation during the autumn-winter period, the Company increased operative gas reserve in Belarus underground gas storage (UGS) facilities from 920 million cubic meters (detected as of the 2013 withdrawal season start-up) to over 1 billion cubic meters as well as to raise the maximum daily send-out from 18 to 31 million cubic meters.

Gazprom ensures failsafe operation of the Belarusian gas transmission system. The amount of investments in its upgrade and repair has almost doubled over the two last years - up to RUB 3 billion in 2013. In 2014 this figure is expected to grow to around RUB 4 billion. Besides, the work is underway to create the Investment Rationale for the Belarusian GTS development.

Alexey Miller and Vladimir Semashko paid attention to gas supply to Belarus and its transit through the country in 2015-2017. It was stressed that the new contracts were almost ready.

The meeting participants also gave consideration to proactive participation of Gazprom in socioeconomic development of Belarus. The Company is sustainably enhancing business ties with local companies. Thus, the 2014-2016 Roadmap signed recently will make it possible to expand the use of Belarusian high-tech products and solutions at Gazprom's facilities.

The Company contributes greatly to national health programs in Belarus, such as Early Detection of Hearing Disorders in Children or Early Detection of Vision Disorders in Children. Gazprom allotted funds in reconstructing the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial and creating a museum. Minsk hosted a zonal round of Gazprom Neft Cup, Europe's major International KHL Tournament among Children's Hockey Teams.