Myasnikovich: Yamal-Europe 2 project will benefit both Russia and Belarus

Construction of the gas pipeline Yamal-Europe 2 will benefit both Russia and Belarus, Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich told reporters in Klaipeda.

“We have discussed this issue with Moscow. We believe this a very good decision. This is better reliability, economic benefits and increase in the gas transit via Belarus to Europe. So, it is beneficial both to Russian companies, especially Gazprom, and Belarus,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

As was reported, in early April, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Gazprom to revive the Yamal-Europe 2 gas pipeline project via Belarus for improving the reliability of gas supplies to Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The pipeline capacity is expected to total 15 billion cubic meters of gas per year. A feasibility study of the project is slated to be prepared within six months. The project is estimated at $5 billion.

Russia's Gazprom owns the Belarusian gas transportation operator Beltransgaz.