Interfax citing Mr Sergei Shmatko Energy Minister of Russia as saying that, Russia is interested in creating natural gas storage capacity in Slovakia.

Mr Shmatko said "Over the course of 2009 the EU has undertaken efforts to create gas storage infrastructure. Slovakia also made a proposal on expanding underground gas storage. That proposal is of interest to us. The Energy Ministry's position is that implementation of such a project is in the interests of the two countries."

Mr Lubomir Jahnatek Slovakia Economic Minister made a proposal to Russian gas companies to participate in the construction of new underground gas storage facilities in his countries. However, he stressed that no actual agreements in this regard had been made to date.

He said that negotiations had only taken place, adding that the Slovak side has had concerns because gas consumption in Slovakia could increase to 1 billion cubic meters a year. He said that a new project would allow Slovak companies and the country itself react adequately to problems.

Mr Shmatko stressed that this offer would require detailed development and analysis in accordance with European legislation. He said that "But the presented offer clearly is interesting for us."

According to the report, the issue was discussed at the session of the Russian-Slovakian intergovernmental commission held in Moscow on Friday.

(Sourced from Interfax)