Wednesday 1 June 2011
Russian and Chinese officials have met to discuss long-term Russian supply of natural gas to China. The talks could see the countries sign a 30 year gas deal.
Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, opening an expanded meeting of the Energy Dialogue yesterday, said: "We have agreed on most issues and hope to make headway in discussing new long-term prospects."
Vice-Premier Wang Qishan of the People's Republic of China added: "This is a historic opportunity for the development of our energy cooperation."
After the meeting, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin supervised a preliminary agreement over the natural gas partnership.