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President Vladimir Putin: Minister, firstly I am very glad to meet you. I share your assessment of the nature of developments of our relations in the energy sphere. Indeed, recently we have signed a number of serious agreements. Our cooperation in this sphere has been given a second wind in many areas. Of course, you mentioned Sakhalin-1. $1.7 billion are invested in this, and we spoke of further investment of $1.3 billion, I believe.

I am very glad that we agreed on other major projects. We mentioned one very serious problem of a global nature: to use the resources of Eastern Siberia and allow the supply of Russian energy resources to the Pacific Ocean coast. We discussed this problem with many of our partners, including the Chinese. We think that we can find a decision within the framework of the discussion process which would satisfy all the interested parties. We need to solve the issue of transport, I think above all the issue of pipeline transport. And we need to think together about our efforts in additional exploration of supplies in Eastern Siberia. I am certain that these supplies are underestimated.

I agree with your assessment that the supply of Russian hydrocarbons to the Pacific Ocean coast will significantly improve the energy situation in the Asian region and in the world as a whole.

We will be glad to see you in Moscow in January or in February, as you said. I think that the initiative that you proposed is very timely and productive – to hold a meeting of interested partners, consumers and suppliers of energy resources, including our partners in Central Asia.

I hope that we will be able to work with you effectively.

And we will wait for you in Moscow.