Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Volodymyr Demchyshyn took part in the inauguration of the East-West gas pipeline in Turkmenistan today, December 23.

The official ceremony was held with the participation of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. The East-West pipeline will carry natural gas to Europe.

The putting in exploitation of the East-West gas pipeline will launch the delivery of significant amount of natural gas from central and south-eastern part of the country to the coast of Caspian sea.

The new infrastructure shall open new opportunities for exporting Turkmen gas to Europe and have an undeniable impact on geopolitical situation in the region.

The Ukrainian side is deeply interested in the implementation of joint long-term projects aimed at diversification of energy supplies from Turkmenistan to Europe and Ukraine in particular.

Moreover, bringing into service the pipeline is a strategically important perspective for Ukraine to ensure its energy security and independence from energy resource of the Russian Federation.