Russia, Kazakhstan discussing entry into gas markets of third countries, diversification of Kazakh oil exports

ST. PETERSBURG. June 19 (Interfax) - Russia and Kazakhstan are discussing operations on the gas markets of third countries and diversification of routes for exporting Kazakh oil, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the heads of international news agencies in St. Petersburg.

Traditionally, Russia supplied gas to Kazakhstan, as there were no domestic infrastructure and a pipeline system there, Putin said. "The supplies were made within the unified system of the union state, and we continue to do so. Now we are discussing the possibility of broader energy cooperation with the Kazakh president. We are considering ways to enter markets of third countries together," he said.

Russia and Kazakhstan are also discussing diversification of routes for Kazakh oil exports, which currently go mostly through Russia, Putin said.

"We are thinking how to organize logistics for Kazakh oil supplies. You now that most of Kazakh oil exports go through the Russian Federation, via the CPC [Caspian Petroleum Consortium] system and other channels, as well. Almost all Kazakh oil goes through Russia. Yet we realize that Kazakhstan is interested in diversification and are ready to help and to assist," Putin said.

"We are working in Europe together, at least until now," he said.