Russia's Gazprom and Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz are ready to consider an assets swap, the head of the Russian energy giant said on Friday.
"We are ready to discuss the possibility of an assets swap, which actually is a merger of the two companies," Alexei Miller told journalists.
He added that consultations and negotiations on this issue would start right after May holidays in Moscow, or after May 10.
"Gazprom has experience in striking deals on assets swaps with German and Italian partners," Miller said.
He added that Russia would be interested in investing in Ukraine's gas transportation system, while Ukraine wants access to Russian resources.
"There is enough gas in the 21st century for everyone, both Ukraine and Russia," Miller said.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said on Sunday that Ukraine's gas transportation system will provide some $6 billion in annual revenues if Kiev manages to persuade Russia and the European Union to invest in the modernization of Ukraine's pipelines.
SOCHI, April 30 (RIA Novosti)
