Putin, Kubilius discuss energy at first meeting

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have discussed energy issues at the first meeting between the heads of government of the neighboring countries in 6 years.

Kubilius used the opportunity to suggest that Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom should "modernize" its pricing policy.

"It‘s important to talk about gas supply. We are observing global tendencies in the gas industry development accurately. We think, that Gazprom will also consider the global gas industry development by modernising its pricing policy,” he said.

The meeting comes as energy concerns between the two countries reach an apex. Gazprom recently sent a letter to the Lithuanian government demanding compensation for losses on the sale of a Kaunas power facility. The two countries are also at odds over the construction of a new nuclear power plant in the region, with Kaliningrad and Ignalina both planning construction.

"I have heard that colleagues are concerned about the nuclear energy development in Kaliningrad. We are ready to discuss it and give the answers and explanations to all your questions,” Putin said.

Kubilius also said he aims to enhance energy security by looking to alternative resources such as liquefied natural gas.