MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The availability of natural gas is of particular importance for developing countries, as gas infrastructure and modern technologies are essential prerequisites for industrialization and improvement of people's quality of life, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov said at a press conference following the GECF (Gas Exporting Countries Forum) ministerial meeting.

"The availability of natural gas for developing countries, gas infrastructure, modern technologies, investments, necessary conditions for industrialization, creating new production facilities, and improving people's quality of life are of particular significance," he said.

"Natural gas remains the guarantor of global energy security. It ensures the reliability and affordability of energy for millions. One of the main outcomes of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum will be the adoption of the Moscow Declaration, the draft of which was approved today. The declaration is based on three principles: energy justice, technological neutrality, and equal non-discriminatory access to energy resources and technologies," the minister added.

The declaration establishes not only general principles but also specific directions for joint work, Tsivilyov noted. "Among them are the development of new markets, including in Africa and other developing regions; the creation of mechanisms for long-term financing of infrastructure projects; and technological exchange and the implementation of digital solutions, including artificial intelligence," the minister said.

"Our common task is to create the conditions for building long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. This requires predictable market rules, long-term contracts, and a fair distribution of risks," Tsivilyov added.