Mintimer Shaimiev, ‘Tatarstan cooperation with “Lukoil” was always successful’

Tatarstan president, Mintimer Shaimiev, met with the head of JSC “Lukoil” Vagit Alekperov on May 21. During the meeting in Kazan Kremlin there has been signed an agreement between RT government and the biggest international oil and gas company.

Opening the meeting, Mintimer Shaimiev has underlined that JSC “Lukoil” is an example of integration into world economy in the conditions of making market economy. “Your team can do this”, said Mintimer Shaimiev appealing to Vagit Alekperov. According to Mintimer Shaimiev, the cooperation of Tatarstan with JSC “Lukoil” has been always successful. That’s why Tatarstan Government has an intention to continue it signing the agreement.

In his turn Vagit Alekperov has pointed out that cooperation of oil and gas company with our republic is lasting for many years. “We are proud to work on the territory of your republic. I guess, we are active because we are respected by the government and Tatarstan oil producers”. According to him, new perspectives in the area of oil chemistry are opening in front of company representatives and RT Government outside Tatarstan. “We became colleagues in Timano-Pechori, where we can create common infrastructure for oil transportation. It will give us an opportunity to be more successful and competitive”.

The meeting has finished with the signing of the cooperation agreement between Tatarstan and JSC “Lukoil”. The document has been signed by RT Prime Minister, Rustam Minnikhanov, and the President of JSC “Lukoil” Vagit Alekperov in the presence of Mintimer Shaimiev. The agreement foresees the further cooperation in the development and effectiveness’ increase of RT TEC, the development of mineral and raw material stuff base, rational using of natural resources, stable oil providing to enterprises and people, and the improvement of ecologic situation in RT. During this period the sides are going to cooperate in area of geological study of bosom, raw material mining and processing.

The agreement comes into force from the signing moment, and it is active until December, 31, 2011.

After the meeting Mintimer Shaimiev and Vagit Alekperov answered the journalists’ questions. “Lukoil” is known not only in our country but also in entire world, it conquers new markets. According to Tatarstan’s head, the signed agreement consists of future plans and new areas of cooperation.

“Tatarstan President approved new agreement which consists of 20 paragraphs, - informed Vagit Alekperov. – Together with our colleagues we plan to develop new projects in oil chemistry areas. Recently we have signed a unique agreement with “KAMAZ”. We became the only suppliers of lubricant materials for automobile giant”.

Answering the question whether it is possible company’s participation in the processing of natural bitumen, V. Alekperov has said, that “Lukoil” doesn’t think about such perspective. “If the company shows a desire to work in this area we will give them an opportunity”, said Mintimer Shaimiev, underlining that the region has a lot of bitumen recourses.

RT President’s State Council on the questions of bosom using, oil and gas, Renat Muslimov, director general of JSC “Tatneft”, Shafagat Tahautdinov, director general of JSC “Tatneftehim invest-holding”, Rafinat Yarullin, have taken part in the meeting. “Lukoil” has been presented by the head of the department of public relations, Alexander Vasilenko, the first vice manager of Director Council’s Apparatus, Maxim Karnauhov, director general of “Lukoil – Uralnefteproduct” LTD, Marat Hasanov.