OREANDA-NEWS. December 29, 2007. Alexander Losyukov, deputy minister of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared that Russia confirms its intention to complete ESPO pipeline construction in the years coming, Transneft's press service informs. “I can definitely say that this oil pipeline will not stop at the Russian-Chinese boundary and will run to the Pacific Ocean coast. I am sure it will be done in the nearest future,” he added. 

Russian diplomat has also reported that search of location for construction of the ESPO terminal structures on Russian Pacific Ocean coast is in progress. “We are positively intended to extend the construction of the oil pipeline eastwards. There is a progress and it is quite strong” – noted Mr. Losyukov.

Moreover, a possibility to lay a gas pipeline in parallel with the ESPO oil pipeline is under consideration in Moscow. “This issue is brought up to consideration and as soon as it is solved the policy decision will follow,” he disclosed.

“In respect to the gas pipeline the matter of construction along perhaps the same pipeline routing, in the same direction has been negotiated but so far the economic feasibilities are not sufficiently clear therefore the policy decision has not yet been made,” the diplomat said.