Merkel stresses importance of preserving gas transit through Ukraine
At a joint press conference with President Petro Poroshenko, While referring to the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted that she considers it important to preserve the transit of gas through Ukraine.
"We spoke about this subject in detail, and, of course, I listened carefully to Ukraine’s concerns. Yesterday during a conversation with the Russian president, I said that it cannot be the case that Nord Stream 2 means Ukraine no longer has any significance with regard to the transit of natural gas... Dependence remains on Russian gas, but it has strategic importance for Ukraine, "Merkel said.
She noted that Nord Stream 2 is not only an economic project, as it also takes into account political factors.
Germany has already issued all necessary permits for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline along the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Further permits are required from Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline lines, with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year, from the Russian coast, through the Baltic Sea, to Germany.
Petro Poroshenko called the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline a “political bribe” for loyalty to Russia.