ASHGABAT - Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was upbeat Wednesday after two days of talks in Turkmenistan centred on ensuring long-term gas supplies for the Ukrainian industry.
"A concrete plan of action has been outlined by our two countries. For us the key question was energy co-operation and we held lengthy talks on the transportation of gas," Yushchenko told a press conference, referring to his Turkmen counterpart Saparmurat Niyazov.
However, no deal was signed on extending an existing gas supplies contract beyond next year, although the two countries did ink a cooperation agreement aimed at modernising Turkmenistan's military.
Gas is one of Turkmenistan's few natural resources and Ashgabat wants to increase its exports.
Ukraine relies heavily on the gas supplies and wants to increase the amount it gets, currently 36 billion cubic metres a year, partly so that it is not so reliant on Russia for its energy.
Last year Turkmenistan provided 48 percent of Kiev's gas consumption.
Niyazov said they would consult on a gas pipeline project along the shores of the Caspian Sea toward Russia and Ukraine, which Yushchenko said could also end up benefiting countries in western Europe.
03/23/2005 17:21 GMT