calendar>>August 31. 2011 Juch 100
Russia-DPRK Joint Energy Program

Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Some countries are seeking to diversify transport of energy resources to suit the worldwide trend of energy use and development.

The DPRK and Russia are now discussing a gas pipe project.

At the talks in Ulan-Ude, Russia, on August 24, the top leaders of the DPRK and Russia agreed to form working groups for the development of economic cooperation in various fields, including gas and other energy sector, and railroad connection.

After the talks, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said, "I ordered our organs to form a special committee. The committee will confirm detailed issues of bilateral cooperation concerning the program of gas transport through the DPRK."

In early August Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that officials of the two countries held talks and discussed the prospect of the program.

If gas experts reached the identity of views on the issue, the Russian government will support it in a political aspect, he said.

Russia is one of the world's biggest nations in natural gas deposit and production and crude oil production.

Russia, situated favorably for gas supply to Europe and other regions, is now interested in expanding its supply capacity.

When the Sakhalin-Khabarovsk-Vladivostok natural gas pipe project with the annual capacity of 30 billion cubic meters, which was launched in 2009, is completed, Russia will be able to not only meet its domestic demand but have the capacity of supplying gas to Asia-Pacific nations.

Russia plans to expand the energy supply to this region so that in 2020 crude oil and gas can take 30 percent from 3 percent, and 25 percent from 5 percent respectively in the country's total export.

The gas pipe linking Russia with the DPRK is important in the effort for fulfilling the plan.

Speaking to reporters on August 25, Russian Vice-Minister of Industry and Energy Anatoli Yanovsky said the gas pipe project has been under deliberation for years and various proposals have been examined for the project, but it has been confirmed that the project will cost most reasonably in case the pipe is laid across the DPRK.

Analysts also pay attention to the political significance of the project.

Dr. Leonid Petrov at National University of Australia said the project will be profitable to all parties concerned.

The joint energy program Russia and the DPRK are discussing at a time when many countries are trying to make an effective use of energy draws interest of the international community.

Copyright (C) KOREA NEWS SERVICE(KNS) All Rights Reserved.