The USA is still against the construction of Nord Stream 2 said US Minister of Energy Rick Perry, who is currently in Moscow negotiating with his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak.
Yulia Makarova is reporting on the details of the meeting.
Energy attraction. Moscow and Washington wish to establish a dialogue. In Moscow, Alexander Novak has negotiated with his American counterpart. They discussed the situation on the world energy market and the work of Russian and American companies. The Russian minister proposed creating a joint investment fund to realize energy projects.
Alexander Novak: "We also talked about a resumption of the dialogue on energy, namely in the fields of energy efficiency and technological development. We agreed on continuing our contacts. We also discussed the work of American companies on the Russian market and joint projects in other countries. We discussed the necessity of working in business forums. I suggest to my counterpart to think over the creation of a joint investment fund for the realization of energy projects in the fields of energy efficiency and technological development. involving our funds, including the Russian Direct Investment Fund".
Both ministers agreed that only together can we supply the world's growing demand. However, there are still some several disagreements. Nord Stream 2, for instance.
Rick Perry: "Concerning Nord Stream 2, I shall stress out once again — we don't agree to it. We don't think this project will contribute to solving energy problems in Europe. But I want to assure you, if Nord Stream 2 is built, it won't slow down our promotion in the European market. It won't stop the competition. We still believe that competition should exist".
The US's attitude is understandable, they continuously oppose Nord Stream 2 since they are interested in the promotion of their liquefied natural gas on the European market. The EU buys it reluctantly; it's more expensive than Russian pipeline gas. Hereto, Washington threatens to impose sanctions on the companies working with Nord Stream 2.
Alexander Novak: "We are concerned about the attitude and statements about the possibility of sanctions towards an absolutely competitive project which European consumers are interested in. We can see the European consumption of gas growing, while their own production is declining. Pipeline gas is one of the most affordable and reliable ways of supplying consumers with energy resources, covering even the peaks, which happen in Europe quite often, especially during periods of cold".
Nevertheless, Rick Perry is in Moscow for the first time. This means there is a dialogue between the countries at least in the energy sector.
Yulia Makarova, Vesti
