NOVO-OGARYOVO, Russia, April 18 (PRIME/RIA Novosti) – Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to provide support for Royal Dutch Shell’s operation in the country on Friday, including further development of the Sakhalin-2 project.
"I am pleased that the company has plans to expand its area of activities in Russia," Putin told the head of the company, Ben van Beurden.
"Of course, we will render all the necessary administrative support and assistance," the Russian president said.
"Shell is one of the largest investors in the Russian economy, your work is almost omnidirectional in the energy area, you have your own network of gas stations, and you are one of the largest traders of Russian oil, 20 percent of the whole market is involved, it is a big figure," Putin said.
Van Beurden thanked Putin for the meeting, saying the Russian president "knows the business of the company as well as he does.”
"We need to further expand our presence in Asia, where we have strong and steady positions," he added, noting that Shell has other projects in Russia, in particular, a joint venture with Gazprom Neft.
The first Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant was commissioned as part of the Sakhalin-2 project in 2009, and began deliveries of Russian LNG to international customers.
Shell and Gazprom, which together own over three-quarters of the project, decided to design a new LNG production line. The project also has Japanese shareholders Mitsui and Mitsubishi Corporation, which hold 12.5 and 10 percent respectively.
