Reuters: Uzbekistan takes cool line on Russian 'gas union' plan

Uzbekistan's Energy Minister Jorabek Mirzamahmudov has rejected Russia's proposal for a 'gas union,' Report informs via Reuters.

He noted that even if a gas agreement is concluded with Russia, this does not mean a union. According to the minister, Tashkent would not agree to political conditions that would jeopardise its national interests.

"If we import gas from another country, we cooperate only based on a commercial, sales contract. We will never agree to political conditions in exchange for gas," he said.

Russia said last month it was discussing a gas union with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to support shipments between the three countries and to other buyers including China.