“This issue — either the extension of the old contract or a new deal – will obviously be discussed,” Ushakov said. “This issue is certainly on the agenda of the talks.”
During his upcoming visit to Hungary, Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Russian gas deliveries to the country following Moscow’s decision to put the South Stream gas pipeline project on hold, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Monday.
“The situation when Russia was forced to wind up the South Stream gas pipeline project due to the European Commission’s non-constructive approach will be discussed. We have chosen an alternative variant, gas will be delivered to Europe via the Black Sea, so an exchange of opinions will be held in this regard,” he told reporters.
According to the Kremlin official, Russia covers about 80 percent of Hungary’s demand for oil and 70% of the country’s demand for natural gas.
“We are ready for dialogue and mutually beneficial partnership in this sphere,” Ushakov said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit Hungary on February 17. Apart from the gas supply issue, the leaders of both countries are expected to focus on cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, education and health care.
Russia is Hungary’s biggest trading partner outside the European Union. The country's prime minister, Viktor Orban, was one of the main supporters of Russia's South Stream gas pipeline, a project that Moscow later abandoned due to the “unconstructive” approach of the European Union.
