Rosneft Signs Flurry of Deals, Europe Moves Closer to Azerbaijan
Rosneft signed agreements with companies from Mozambique, Japan and Russia during the 21st World Petroleum Congress in Moscow. The flurry of deals seems to back the Russian hard line on Ukraine, adding further pressure on Europe, which is trying to cement its ties with Azerbaijan.
Rosneft President Igor Sechin signed a Memorandum of Understanding with JSC Zarubezhneft in the field of geological exploration in Vietnamese shelf.
“The signing of this Memorandum by Rosneft, Zarubezhneft and PetroVietnam is an evidence of strategic mutually beneficial cooperation between the Russian oil and gas companies and Vietnamese partners,” commented Sechin.
Rosneft also signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Yokogawa Electric Corporation for information technology and measurement systems. The Russian company also signed a MoU with Mozambique’s ENH.
‘Under the Memorandum, the parties will look into areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including joint bidding in upcoming hydrocarbons exploration and production licensing rounds in the Republic of Mozambique,’ the company wrote on Monday.
EUROPE AND AZERBAIJAN
On Saturday, President of the European Commission Jose Barroso met Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, to discuss ways to increase and accelerate bilateral relations.
‘Let me say that Azerbaijan is a very important partner for the European Union. We have achieved a reliable strategic partnership in the energy field. And we want to build on this, moving to a long-term association grounded on democracy and shared values, in particular fundamental freedoms. I have explained very openly to President Alyiev that we believe that multi-party democracy, open societies and open economies are the best way to achieve stability and prosperity. A thriving civil society is essential for a thriving democracy,’ Barroso said in Brussels.
The President of the European Commission confirmed the timing of the Southern Corridor, saying that it ‘will initially bring 10 billion cubic meters of new gas to Europe by 2019.’
Barroso and Aliyev also discussed ways to accelerate and expand the project.