"Their interest and search for ways to secure the most competitive gas supply alternative are obvious," Vaiciunas told BNS after Tuesday's meeting with Ukrainian politicians and experts in Vilnius.
GIPL would open up new opportunities for cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine in gas supplies, according to the minister.
"Of course, we are speaking about theoretical possibilities here. Discussions are underway about how to create a certain Eastern European gas hub to ensure supplies, including to Ukraine," he said.
In Vaiciunas' words, Vilnius' decisions on the purchase of the Klaipeda LNG terminal's FSRU and its long-term operation make Lithuania interesting to Ukraine which sees "us as a partner in importing LNG."
With Russia rushing to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline under the Baltic Sea, the question whether the project will affect gas transit through Ukraine remains open. However, Europe is ready for potential supply disruptions, according to the minister.
"In terms of security of supply, it is natural that gas storage facilities in Europe and Ukraine itself are ready and as full as ever. On one hand, this is comforting news showing that has supply security crises are unlikely to occur," he said.