KIEV, July 10. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine’s top diplomat said the construction of Russia’s-led South Stream gas pipeline will change nothing for Europe. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin considers South Stream “a political project”.

“If the South Stream project is implemented, nothing changes for Europe,” he said. At the same time, Klimkin said, “Certain countries that will receive gas by the South Stream pipeline speak against the project. Its representatives have recently visited Kiev.”

“There are countries that are ready to invest in modernizing the Ukrainian gas transportation system,” he said. “The future of the gas market is based on diversification. Slate gas supplies will start soon. We’re working on reverse gas flows,” Klimkin added.

“Ukraine’s priorities are to ensure reliable gas supplies on the basis of the European gas market. Ukraine is ready to transit gas through its territory. The reform of Naftogaz of Ukraine will facilitate this,” he said.

“The current gas situation is the test for Europe from the point of view what role the European Union will play in the world,” Klimkin said.