MOSCOW, September 30 (RIA Novosti) - Gazprom intends to strengthen its positions on the gas and electric power markets of North America, following recommendations by its board of directors, the Russian energy giant said on Wednesday.

"In order to strengthen Gazprom Group's presence on the global energy market, diversify export routes and sales markets, ensure secure and reliable natural gas supplies, and also in line with Gazprom's strategy for liquefied natural gas production and delivery, the board of directors has instructed the management committee to organize work for strengthening the company's positions on the gas and electricity markets in North America," the statement said.

North America is a targeted market for Gazprom under its strategy of LNG production and delivery approved by the company's board of directors in March 2008. The document stipulates Gazprom's work in the segments of natural gas liquefying, maritime transportation, re-gasification and fuel sale to end consumers.

Gazprom intends to supply LNG to North America from its Sakhalin 2 oil and gas project off Russia's Pacific Coast and Shtokman gas condensate field in the Russian sector of the Barents Sea.

Gazprom is currently carrying out work in North America to create a client base and build a portfolio of contractual assets, including the lease of transport and re-gasification capacities and gas storage facilities, the statement said.