"Russia was, is and will be interested in foreign investors and cooperation with foreign investors in all areas," Peskov told reporters, adding that cooperation is possible even in the most sensitive areas if such decision is made by the government’s commission on foreign investments.
When asked about the Schlumberger Limited oilfield services company acquiring controlling interest in Russia’s Eurasia Drilling Company (EDC), Peskov said that it was an issue within the purview of the commission on foreign investments.
Earlier in the day, the EDC announced that its shareholders agreed to sell 51 percent (controlling interest) of shares to the Schlumberger Limited. The deal requires approval of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS).
"You are asking me a question that lies in the competence of the foreign investments’ commission, and you know that the commission is governmental, therefore the question must be addressed to the cabinet," Peskov said.
EDC is Russia’s largest drilling company, providing services in construction and overhaul of oil wells and shelf drilling.