Creation of Russian-German Institute of Energy Policy and Economics

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

On June 21, an Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Russian-German Institute of Energy Policy and Economics between MGIMO University, the MGIMO International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy and Leipzig University was signed at the MGIMO University of the Russian MFA.

Taking into account the importance of the establishment of the Russian-German Institute of Energy Policy and Economics for the development of cooperation between the two countries in the gas industry and strengthening of the energy partnership between Russia and the European Union, the representatives of the Russian MFA, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and major Russian and German oil and gas companies - OAO Gazprom, OOO Gazexport, OAO NK Rosneft, OAO Lukoil, OAO Surgutneftegaz, NGK Itera, OAO Stroitransgaz and others - took part in the formal ceremony.

The Agreement defines the main areas of activity of the Russian-German Institute of Energy Policy and Economics. In the first place, it is the implementation of joint educational programs and, in particular, Master training programs. Other priority areas will consist of programs of student exchange and training, educational consultation programs for specialists of leading gas, oil and energy companies and, finally, joint programs of scientific research on problems of particular importance to world energy development, the strengthening of international energy cooperation and the ensuring of global energy security.

June 22, 2006