The Russian president stated in particular that Germany will join the project during its first implementation stage.
French companies also showed interest in the project, Putin announced during a president conference after his talks with Viktor Yushchenko.
According to the Russian president, Russia is interested in attracting foreign companies to the creation of a gas transportation consortium. "The participation of European partners will make the project transparent and civilized," Putin said at the press conference.
The head of the Russian state reminded the journalists that Russia and Ukraine came up with the idea of a gas transportation consortium. "Right from the start we agreed to invite European partners to participate in the joint project," Putin underlined.
He stressed that Germany was a natural choice in this case because it is the largest consumer of Russian gas, which is transported to Germany through Ukraine.
"We will also invite other partners. French company Gaz de France and Italian ENI showed their interest in the project," Putin said.
He also emphasized that the project had entered an advanced stage of preparation; the legal approach had been formulated and the sides would not seek revision of achieved agreements.
At the same time, Putin pointed out "there are no hidden agreements. Russia is interested in the project. It is beneficial for Ukraine, as well, because a large amount of capital will be invested in its gas transportation system."
