"We hope to take part in the modernization of Syrian enterprises, including in the construction of the Arab Gas Pipeline. We are ready to provide the necessary construction materials and pipes," Ukraine's first deputy prime minister, Oleksandr Turchynov, said Thursday at the meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri.
The Arab Gas Pipeline is viewed as an alternative to Russia's natural gas supplies to Europe. Once completed it will be 1,200 km (750 miles) long and, according to experts, capable of transporting 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
Ukraine first mentioned its wish to join the international consortium on the construction of the pipeline in 2005.
Kiev's bitter gas price row with Russia's energy giant Gazprom in 2005 led to shortfalls in gas supplies to Ukraine amid Arctic temperatures in January of 2006, prompting fears that a similar situation could develop again.
Ukraine primarily receives Turkmen gas pumped across Russia. Producers in former Soviet Central Asia have announced plans to bring prices in line with EU levels, and Gazprom has said recently said prices for Ukraine could rise to $400 from next year. In 2008, Ukraine has paid $179.5 per 1,000 cu m for Russian supplies.
