Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and UAE’s minister of state Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who also runs the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), discussed cooperation in LNG projects at a meeting in Moscow, the energy ministry said. 

 

Adnoc is exploring opportunities to expand its strategic partnership and investment base across its entire value chain. 

 

During the meeting, Dr Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE leadership to the government and people of Russia and reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between both countries, stressing the keenness of the UAE to strengthen bilateral relations. 

 

Bilateral trade between Russia and the UAE topped Dh11 billion last year, a 21 per cent increase on the previous year. Relations were further strengthened last year when Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces met President Putin and both leaders signed a declaration of strategic partnership covering political, security and economic spheres.

 

Dr Al Jaber noted his appreciation for Russia’s role in the Opec/ Non Opec Cooperation Agreement, which continues to have a positive impact on balancing oil markets. Dr. Sultan elaborated on Adnoc’s ongoing transformation, centered on maximising value, and expanding the company’s strategic partnership base to stay ahead of the world’s growing demand for energy. 

 

Dr Al Jaber said: “This visit reflects the strong and friendly ties between the UAE and Russia. As our countries continue to build on strong trade relations, there is significant potential for collaboration in the energy sector. Adnoc is open to exploring partnership and co-investment opportunities with Russian energy companies across the full value chain where they make economic sense and drive significant returns for both sides.

 

“As we respond to the evolving energy landscape, driven by growing demand particularly in Asia, Adnoc is forging ties with new partners from around the world, who share our creative vision and are prepared to put skin in the game through capital, technology and market access.” 

 

The expanded approach to partnership is a key element of Adnoc’s 2030 smart growth strategy, focused on growth and opportunity across the upstream and downstream business. Adnoc is on track to increase its crude oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2020, and 5 mbpd by 2030, while becoming self-sufficient and eventually a net exporter of natural gas. 

 

In addition, a significant expansion of the downstream business is under way, centered on the Ruwais industrial hub, where substantial foreign direct investment has already been attracted with the aim of creating the world’s largest fully integrated refining and petrochemicals complex. -- Tradearabia News Service