A memorandum of understanding between the national gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy and Turkmengaz state concern provides for the resumption of natural gas supplies to Ukraine and Europe, as well as gas exploration in Turkmenistan, Energy and Coal Industry Minister of Ukraine Eduard Stavytsky has said.

"A memorandum has been signed between Naftogaz Ukrainy and Turkmengaz on expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector, which implies the resumption of gas supplies to our country and to Europe, and exploration for gas deposits in Turkmenistan," Stavytsky told reporters in Ashgabat on Wednesday.

When asked how the deliveries might resume, taking into consideration the Russian factor, the minister replied that they would be able to give an answer to this after the issue is examined by experts.

Asked through which pipeline deliveries of Turkmen gas could go, Stavytsky said: "We have a gas pipeline which runs through the northern part of Turkmenistan and through Russia. We have discussed this issue. We will first reach an agreement with our counterparts from Turkmenistan and then we will go further, "he said.

Speaking about the timeframe for the implementation of the reached agreements, Stavytsky said that they soon would exchange visits and would work out a strategy for the development of these areas.

He also said that the issue of the volume of gas supplies would be settled later.

In addition, Stavytsky said that Ukraine would take part in open tenders for the exploration of gas deposits in Turkmenistan.

The minister said that Ukraine's participation in gas exploration would increase the level of trade between the two countries.