Czechs may raise TAL pipeline stake with Biden

* Move will be part of efforts to boost energy security

* Energy supply is critical issue for former Soviet states * Czech also considering taking stake in main oil refinery

PRAGUE, Oct 22 (Reuters) - The Czechs may raise the idea of taking a stake in an oil pipeline running from Italy to Germany during a visit on Friday by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Czech Industry and Trade minister Tomas Huener said on Thursday.

Huener, speaking on the sidelines of an energy conference in Prague, said such a move would be part of the country's efforts to boost energy security and shift supplies away from Russia.

"This will be an issue that may be developed between Vice President Biden and the government," Huener told reporters.

"The government is still potentially interested in this kind of deal."

Biden is due to arrive in Prague late on Thursday as part of a regional tour to smooth relations following the recent U.S. decision to shelve plans to build a missile defence shield radar in the Czech Republic.

Earlier on Thursday, the Czech prime minister's office issued a statement saying energy security would be part of the talks between Biden and Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer.

The TAL pipeline, which runs from Trieste in Italy to Karlsruhe in Germany, is owned by a consortium that includes the U.S.-based Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research).