Klimkin, Perry discuss cooperation in energy sector

"On Monday, November 12, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin met with a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. During the meeting, the ministers discussed the issues of Ukrainian-American cooperation in the energy sector, in particular strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence,” the Government portal reported.

The parties agreed to further counteract the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project, which undermines the European energy security and stability.

Following negotiations with Perry, a joint declaration was signed on intentions to extend for the next five years the agreement between Ukraine and the United States on improving operational safety, reducing the risk of operation and strengthening the regulatory systems for civil nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Nord Stream 2 is a gas pipeline project which aims to carry more Russian natural gas under the Baltic Sea direct to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and Poland. Russian gas monopoly Gazprom owns 51% of the project’s shares. Russia wants to build two strings of the gas pipeline. The project opponents, including Poland, the Baltic countries, Ukraine, Moldova, the United States and Denmark, argue that Nord Stream 2 will increase the EU's dependence on Gazprom.

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