Ukraine interested in Dutch investments into gas transit system modernization, says first vice-premier

Ukraine's First Vice-Premier Oleksandr Turchynov has said Ukraine is interested in attracting investment from the Netherlands into the modernization of Ukraine's gas transportation system.

He said this at a meeting with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Wouter Bos on Monday, the press service of the Ukrainian government has said.

"We are interested in stepping up the reliability of the existing system of gas transit to the European states and the formation of alternative routes of energy supplies," Turchynov said.

He also stressed the importance of projects aimed at raising energy security in Ukraine and other European countries.

Turchynov and Bos also discussed building up trade and economic cooperation in the transport, agriculture, and energy sectors.

"Notwithstanding the financial crisis, last year trade between the two countries almost doubled," Turchynov said.

In turn, Bos said there is good reason to think that trade would grow this year as well.