Official website of the President of Russia

Документ   /

After the meeting, the President witnessed the signing of a number of documents on energy cooperation between Russian and international companies.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends, colleagues,

I appreciate the opportunity to meet with heads of major energy companies. You know who operates in this country and how. Russia’s energy sector is of unique significance not only to our country, but also to global energy because of our enormous deposits and the geographic location of this country, which offers access to both the European and Asian markets.

As you may know, our energy sector is very liberal. We welcome our foreign partners to work in the Russian energy sector. Many of you have been present here for a long time. We have established very good relations. Your companies are operating successfully and are making good profit on your investment.

Relations between leading global energy companies and the Russian authorities have been developing successfully in the past years. Not only do we support your investment and your business and provide administrative support, but also carefully consider the interests of both Russian and foreign business entities, hear out your recommendations regarding the further improvement of Russian legislation, administrative procedures and taxation. I believe we have created a very good business community. Just as it is done in any civilized society, we do not differentiate between our friends and partners by nationality. We are all part of one big family.

I would like to welcome you here and once again wish you success. I will be happy to hear your ideas and comments regarding your current work and any suggestions you might have on how we should structure our cooperation in the medium and long term.

Thank you.

<…>