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In his remarks the President noted in particular that the oil and gas sector is one of the Russian economy’s key economic sectors, and Russia is one of the world’s leading producers of oil and gas and petroleum products, and one of the biggest energy resource exporters. Mr Putin said he hopes that Russia’s oil and gas companies will continue to become more effective and competitive and reach new heights.

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Speech at a meeting with oil and gas sector workers

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

We have a good tradition now of meeting regularly with representatives of the oil and gas sector either on your professional holiday, or just before it, like now. I want to wish you all success and prosperity.

The tradition of celebrating this professional holiday each year began 50 years ago as a symbol of our deep respect and gratitude for the difficult and devoted labour of everyone working in this sector, and a symbol of the special place the oil and gas sector holds in Russia’s economy.

The efforts of our oil and gas industry workers have strengthened Russia’s economic and energy resource base, developed vast territories and established new industrial centres in the Volga region, Siberia, the Far North, and of course, the region where we are meeting today – the Far East.

Today, the oil and gas industry is one of our country’s key economic sectors. Russia is among the world leaders for production of hydrocarbons, petroleum products, and export of energy resources.

You are carrying out major infrastructure projects. It is enough to mention some of the big events of recent years, such as the start of operations at the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline, and the completion of the Nord Stream and the Sakhalin-Khabarovsk-Vladivostok gas pipelines.

You have developed and begun industrial operation of unique fields such as Yamal and Eastern Siberia. As a result, in 2014, Russia reached a new record oil production figure of more than 526 million tonnes, and gas production came to more than 640 billion cubic metres.

I am certain the sector’s workers will continue to fulfil their set missions with honour and ensure that Russia’s export capability continues to grow and that our domestic market continues its stable work. I am sure that our oil and gas companies will become more efficient and competitive and will reach new heights. I have absolutely no doubts about this. I know practically all of the company bosses personally and for many years, and I know their human potential and the sector’s potential.

Once again, I congratulate you on this holiday and I ask you to pass on my best wishes to all your teams, to everyone at their posts today, and, of course, to the sector’s veterans.

I wish you success. Thank you very much.