Russia eyes on Central Asia's mass energy projects

Russia on Friday showed big interest in joining a project to build a gas pipeline linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, according to Xinhua News.

The presidents of Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan signed a joint statement in Dushanbe, confirming that they attach great importance to promoting and strengthening trade, business and security ties between their countries.

"The sides welcome Russia's interest toward participation in the implementation of the project to build a Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline," the presidents said in their statement. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also noted that Russia is ready to take part in the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, which could help to transfer electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Medvedev said, his country could invest at least hundreds of millions dollars if the relevant countries invited Russia to join in the two projects.