On a trip to the Krasnodar Territory, in European Russia's south, he met in conference with Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips President, and Vagit Alekperov, President of the LUKoil Russian-based oil giant.
As he was opening conference, President Putin referred to his previous meeting with Mr. Mulva, in New York City roughly a year ago.
"As far as I know, your business is great success, and you are partnering Russia's major oil-and-gas companies.
"I am eager to see more dynamism in U.S.-Russian business contacts, especially in energy, which is a strategic field," he remarked.
President Putin said he was keeping abreast with ConocoPhillips investment plans. "I hope this aspect of your activities will be just as much of a success as what you have been doing up to this day," he added.
The ConocoPhillips is doing much to make ambitious investments in the energy dialogue, stressed Mr. Mulva. Intense efforts are on, and the company is establishing a very beneficial investment climate with President Putin's encouraging support. The tycoon hopes this support will make long-term investment lucrative. Contacts with Russia's President and big companies will certainly extend.
To that, President Putin reassured the visitor of his, and not only his support. "The U.S. President and I discussed bilateral energy activities on repeated occasions, and I am sure U.S. and Russian authorities will both offer tangible assistance."
The ConocoPhillips is in close contact with the George Bush Administration. The U.S. President is very helpful, and doing much to step up relations with Russia, said Jim Mulva.
Mr. Putin asked his opinion of partnership with Russian corporate mammoths, such as the Rosneft, LUKoil or Gazprom.
The American tycoon said that was a very good partnership, with technical and know-how exchanges. As for its strategic prospects, the company hopes to develop power resources not for Russia alone but for other countries-in particular, in Europe and North America.
"We are weighing the prospect, to be sure," replied Vladimir Putin. "The Russian government is getting ready for a final decision on the progress of pipeline transport-an issue essential for the industry."
President Putin is in the Krasnodar Territory for tomorrow's State Council Presidium session, which will concentrate on the progress of Russian recreation and health resorts, says Alexei Gromov, presidential press secretary.
