The Gazprom headquarters hosted today a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company's Management Committee and Jean de Gliniasty, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Russia.

The parties addressed crucial issues of the cooperation among Gazprom and French energy companies.

Alexey Miller and Jean de Gliniasty highlighted the relevancy of the Nord Stream project that had provided extra gas supplies to European consumers during anomalously cold periods.

The parties shared the opinion that new direct gas transmission capacities had to be built from Russia to Europe in order to meet the growing demand of European consumers for Russian natural gas.

Besides, the meeting participants discussed the current state and prospects for the Shtokman project as well as the cooperation between Gazprom and GDF Suez in the energy efficiency and environmental protection areas.

Background

Franceis the third most important EU market for Gazprom after Germany and Italy.

In 2011 Gazprom supplied France with 9.53 billion cubic meters of gas.

In December 2006 Gazprom and Gaz de France signed the Agreement to extend the existing contracts for Russian gas supply to France until 2030. Moreover, the parties agreed to deliver 2.5 billion cubic meters of additional gas amounts to Gaz de France via the Nord Stream gas pipeline. Gazprom was also provided with an opportunity to deliver up to 1.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas per year directly to end consumers in France.

French companies actively participate in large-scale joint projects with Gazprom. GDF Suez holds a 9 per cent stake in the Nord Stream project, Total – 25 per cent in Shtokman and EDF – 15 per cent in South Stream.