“Russia has always been and still remains a reliable supplier of natural gas in the global market,” stated Alexander Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee in his special address “Meeting the World’s Energy Needs in the 21st Century” at the 20th World Energy Congress currently underway in Rome.

Alexander Medvedev reminded that Gazprom had been exporting natural gas to Europe for 40 years. “It is possible to say that during this period there haven’t been any serious problems or disruptions with gas supplies, neither during the Cold War period nor during the hard time, when Russia was transiting from the planned to market economy”. He underscored that Gazprom’s top priority was to provide reliable gas supplies.

Alexander Medvedev highlighted the data, which stipulated Russian gas supplies to European consumers would reach 180 bcm of gas by 2015. Gazprom’s share in the European markets will reach 33 per cent, where gas will be mostly exported due to the long-term contacts.

He expressed confidence in favorable tendencies for the development of the global gas market where Gazprom hopes to retain the leading position in future.

In the frames of the Congress Alexander Medvedev met with Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy.

Additionally, Alexander Medvedev had meetings with heads of the foreing companies attending the Rome Forum, particularly with Paolo Scaroni, Chief Executive Officer of ENI, Fulvio Conti, Chief Executive Officer of Enel,  Umberto Quadrino, Chief Executive Officer of Edison,  Jean-Marie Dauger, Chief Operating Officer of Gaz de France.

Alexander Medvedev also met with representatives of Sinotech Chinese Oil Company and Essent Dutch Energy Company.

The parties discussed issues related to cooperation in the oil and gas sector.