The EU countries see Turkmenistan as a key energy partner and are ready to purchase the country's natural gas, according to the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso.

Borroso is on an official visit to Ashkhabad, where he met with the country's President, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov.

The negotiations lasted 2 hours, three times longer than planned, to be followed by another round, including a larger number of officials, the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, reports, citing the Presidential press office

Barroso said Turkmenistan is a reliable gas exporter, stressing on the great perspective for partnership with the EU in the creation of a safe and multifunctional transport infrastructure,

The EC President appealed to the country to join the World Trade Organization which would have positive economic effect and attract foreign investments. He promised EU support in case Turkmenistan applies for WTO membership.

Berdymukhammedov pointed out his country has trade relations with all EU Member States with a total trade volume of USD 1.5 B for 2010, but added the data does not reflect the real partnership potential. He proposed the preparation of a mid- and long-term program for collaboration between the EU and Turkmenistan.

Regarding gas supply to Europe, the President pointed out a gas pipe on the bottom of the Caspian Sea would be the most attractive for Turkmenistan from trade, financial, and infrastructure viewpoint, but did not dismiss the possibility to transport liquid gas on tankers via the Caspian Sea.

"This will require special infrastructure and a tanker fleet. This and other opportunities can become the topic of serious negotiations between Turkmenistan and the governments of interested European countries and companies," Berdymukhammedov is quoted saying, adding his country was fully prepared to develop a European trend in its energy policy.

Turkmenistan is considered a main supplier for the EU "Nabucco" gas pipeline project.

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