Kirill Dmitriev said economic cooperation between Russia and the United States would continue despite objections from European countries, adding that the policy was being pursued in line with instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, made the remarks to journalists during the International Russian Energy Week Forum. Dmitriev argued that European countries were trying to prevent economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.
Sanctions obstruct diesel shipments
Dmitriev said a possible agreement to send Russian diesel fuel to the United States would serve the interests of both countries and global energy markets. Addressing European countries’ criticism of the agreement, Dmitriev argued that the shipment would make a significant contribution to global energy markets.
Dmitriev acknowledged that existing sanctions restrictions could make it difficult to carry out the shipments, but said Russia and the United States were working to overcome the obstacles. Dmitriev said the diesel fuel would be sent to the United States and that implementation difficulties would be resolved.
Dmitriev said the diesel fuel agreement would not be the only area of cooperation with the United States, adding that work would continue in other economic and investment areas.
Sanctions imposed on Russian companies
In a separate interview, Dmitriev also addressed the possibility of easing US sanctions on Russian companies. Dmitriev said the issue of lifting sanctions imposed on companies had been raised during visits to Washington, recalling that the United States had previously provided some monthly relief from sanctions on Russian oil.
Dmitriev said he considered it difficult for the United States to lift its current sanctions on Russian companies, adding that talks in various areas were continuing.
