KHABAROVSK. May 22 (Interfax) - The energy sector is not a field of conflict between Russia and the European Union, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told a news conference after the Russia-EU summit in Khabarovsk on Friday.

Rather, cooperation in energy issues should develop in a civilized manner, and it requires a new legal framework, Medvedev said.

"The energy sphere is not a field for conflict. On the contrary, it is the kind of area that should unite us. It also ensures a comfortable living environment for millions of Europeans," the Russian president said.

Russia and the EU "have to make sure that energy cooperation develops in a civilized fashion," he said.

This goal can be achieved if all sales of natural gas take place at market prices, appropriate agreements are signed and money is paid on them, he said.

Addressing Russia's future contacts in the energy sector, Medvedev said that it is necessary to formulate "a comprehensive legal framework" for this cooperation.

"We are all unanimous on the need for such a framework. We will continue working on a legal framework for cooperation in the energy sphere. I am convinced that we will cope with this task," he said.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said at the same news conference that the EU welcomes Russia's role in modernizing the Ukrainian gas transportation system. Ukraine is also open to this participation, Barroso said.

The energy sector unites various countries, he added.