Russian deputy PM discusses cooperation in fuel and energy sector with Kazakh energy minister ahead of leaders' meeting

MOSCOW. May 6 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation in the fuel and energy sectors with Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov as part of the preparations for the upcoming meeting of the countries' leaders in Kazakhstan, the Russian government's press service said.

"Relations with Astana are one of the priorities of Russia's foreign policy. We are satisfied with the level of our dialogue. Today, our effective cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, is more required than ever amid strong global turbulence. Under these conditions, we need to act decisively, work together for common political and economic interests, and use the potential of highly integrated ties developed over previous years," Novak said.

The meeting, as indicated by published photographs, was attended in particular by Russian First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin as well as the head of the foreign economic activity department of PJSC Gazprom , Dmitry Khandoga.

President Vladimir Putin, during a telephone conversation with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, previously confirmed his participation in the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council taking place in Astana at the end of May, and also accepted an invitation to make a state visit to Kazakhstan in conjunction with this event.