Russia is considering the possibility of tripartite cooperation with the US and China in oil and gas projects in the Arctic - an energy-rich region with much potential that has not been exploited. This information was revealed by Mr. Kirill Dmitriev, Assistant to President Vladimir Putin on international economics, who is also the Director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), on September 2 in Beijing, China.
According to Dmitriev, Moscow and Beijing are currently working closely together on a series of state-sponsored economic initiatives. China has poured more than 700 billion rubles (equivalent to 8.7 billion USD) into more than 50 projects via RDIF. Russia-China projects are taking place right now, he said, emphasizing the strategic cohesion between the two countries.
Dmitriev said that if the differences are put aside, cooperation with the US in the energy sector - especially in the Arctic - could bring huge economic benefits. He reiterated: Russia-US projects have existed in the past and have the potential to be resumed in the future.
According to the Kremlin, investing in large-scale projects together can not only generate profits but also act as a "stabilizing factor" for the ups and downs in Russia-US political relations.
Russia is reviewing investment opportunities for the three sides of Russia - China - US, including in the Arctic and in the energy sector. Investors can increase value if they join forces. At the same time, joint cooperation also helps create a more stable foundation for future political interaction, Mr. Dmitriev emphasized.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held this week, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping also continued to call for building a more just multipolar world order - with the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and many leaders from Asia, Eastern Europe to the Middle East.
