BRUSSELS, April 2 (RIA Novosti) - The EU and Russia will continue cooperation on key issues, including in the energy sector, despite the situation in Ukraine, Russia's ambassador to the EU said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"Contacts within the framework of political dialogue are held on a daily basis. We are holding negotiations on several sectors, not all of them though. In the energy sector for example, the next round is scheduled for April 4," Vladimir Chizhov said.
Among the topics for the sides to discuss are the use of the OPAL natural gas pipeline and the development of electrical networks in Russia, Belarus and the Baltic states. "We communicate with the European Commission, with its general directorate. And the head of official in the general directorate for Energy assured me that cooperation will be continued," Chizhov said.
Discussions are also being held on the issue of the South Stream pipeline. The ambassador stressed that behind political rhetoric both sides have intersecting interests they cannot ignore.
The EU is not going to halt dialogue with Russia within the Eastern Partnership program, Chizhov said, adding that the framework stipulates the EU's close economic cooperation with Eastern European countries.
"Representatives from Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU foreign relations bodies have held consultations on integration issues, including both European and Eurasian integration. Moreover, we held discussions on the OSCE and on the Council of Europe, so we are working hard," Vladimir Chizhov said, adding that these discussions would not be halted.
The EU, US and Canada last month imposed sanctions on a number of senior Russian officials and businessmen whom the West accuses of involvement in Crimea's secession. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes. The EU also cancelled the June Russia-EU summit in Sochi and froze talks on a visa-free regime.
