(ANSA) - TRIESTE - The European Commission hosted Friday a trilateral meeting with Russia and Ukraine on gas deliveries and gas transit. The talks, which were chaired by Vice-President in charge of the Energy Union Maros Sefcovic, were attended by Russia's and Ukraine's Ministers for Energy, Alexander Novak and Ihor Nasalyk, as well as representatives of Naftogaz and Gazprom.

All parties welcomed the opportunity to consult in Brussels on gas supplies to Ukraine and gas flows to the European Union over the coming winter. There was full commitment to work closely together to ensure gas flows from Russia to Ukraine and gas transit to the EU. In this respect, it has been agreed that discussions will continue at all levels.

Sefcovic said after today's meeting that "The trilateral format has again proven its usefulness today. Facilitated by the Commission, substantial progress on gas sale and purchase has been made, but some work still remains to be done. Parties were close to conclude today and will now need to discuss the format of the agreement. I was reassured that dialogue will continue".

(ANSA).