Rustam Minnikhanov: Lukoil is our strategic partner

On September 25, speaking at his meeting with LUKOIL President Vagit Alekperov at the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan and LUKOIL have historically had close mutually beneficial relations that continue developing successfully in various spheres.

Opening the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov noted that many residents of the republic work at the Lukoil Company, which is represented by the RITEK Company in the republic.

“Today LUKOIL is one of the most high-technology companies in the oil industry. We see this by the RITEK’s performance in Tatarstan,” Rustam Minnikhanov said, stressing that it was important to maintain the established contacts.

Noting that Lukoil is a strategic partner of Tatneft Oil Company as well, Tatarstan President said that LUKOIL and TATNEFT should consolidate their efforts to protect the interests of oil companies at the federal level.

Tatarstan President went on to say that LUKOIL is also a major customer for machine building enterprises of the republic. “In 2012-2013, the supply volume grew from 1.6 to 2 billion roubles,” Rustam Minnikhanov said, stating that Lukoil is a large supplier of liquefied gas for Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that LUKOIL owned a gas station network in Tatarstan, offering high-quality products. Tatarstan President suggested that the company take up some unprofitable gas stations to expand its business inside the region.

The company also makes a significant contribution to the development of the social sphere. Tatarstan President appreciated the contest of social and cultural projects held annually by the RITEK Company in cooperation with the Lukoil Charity Fund. Rustam Minnikhanov said that the number of participants is increasing every year, and about 800 applications were submitted to take part in the 5th contest this year. "Thus, the company supports those people who want to do good deeds in the republic," he said. The company supports the Bolgar and Sviyazhsk restoration projects as well.

“LUKOIL is our strategic partner in many areas,” Rustam Minnikhanov concluded.

Lukoil President Vagit Alekperov, in his turn, said that their relations with Tatarstan, especially with Tatneft Company, are systemic and long-term, adding that it is very important to meet and discuss issues of cooperation in various spheres.

He noted that TATNEFT and LUKOIL have experience in developing ultraviscous oil, as well as protecting the interests of oil companies at the federal level.

At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov and Vagit Alekperov signed a cooperation agreement.

Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Director General of Tatneft oil company Nail Maganov, Aide to Tatarstan President of Social Affairs Tatiana Larionova and other officials took part in the meeting.