SAMSUN, November 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russian natural gas monopoly Gazprom is considering partnering with Turkey to build a natural gas liquefaction plant in the Turkish cities of Ceyhan or Izmir, the head of the company said Thursday.

Alexei Miller said the projected output of the plant might amount to five million metric tons per year.

Miller said Gazprom had discussed various aspects of cooperation in the oil and gas sector with Italty's ENI and with Turkish partners, particularly Botas. They discussed the possible transit of gas via Turkey to southern Europe, namely to southern Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, and Yugoslavia, as well as to Israel.

The sides also discussed the possibility of delivering gas to Turkey for liquefaction and further shipment to other countries.