Ceremony for the first LNG shipment from the Cryogas-Vysotsk plant
During his working trip to St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin, launched via videoconference the loading of the first batch of LNG onto the tanker Coral Anthelia at the new Cryogas-Vysotsk LNG plant in Vysotsk, Leningrad Region.
April 24, 2019
15:30
St Petersburg
Vladimir Putin, launched via videoconference the loading of the first batch of LNG onto the tanker Coral Anthelia at the new Cryogas-Vysotsk LNG plant in Vysotsk, Leningrad Region.
Cryogas-Vysotsk is the third largest Russian LNG plant (the other two are the Sakhalin-2 plant and the Yamal LNG plant). The complex, located at the port of Vysotsk, includes three main facilities: a plant with capacity of 660,000 tonnes of LNG a year, a 43 km long gas pipeline connection to the Leningrad-Vyborg-State Border gas main, and docks for LNG shipments.
The company plans to supply LNG to the domestic market for gas-engine fuel and to provide gas to consumers that are far from centralised gas supply systems. The plant will also supply gas to countries in northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic Region.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends.
Today we are launching the first shipment of LNG at the new Cryogas-Vysotsk plant. I would like to congratulate all those who have been and will be involved in this on this significant event.
First, I would like to thank you for your hard work, for carrying out the plans you set for yourselves. Moreover, all of this has taken place in a short period of time: a modern high-tech plant has been built and quality jobs were created. The first stage of the plant, which has a capacity of 660,000 tonnes of LNG per year, was put into operation in March this year. As I understand it, there are plans to launch the second stage with a capacity of over 1,100,000 tonnes of LNG per year. It is expected to be in operation late next year.
There is no doubt that the plant will have a bright future. The global LNG market is making rapid headway: the demand for LNG is steadily growing both in this country and the rest of the world. I would like to emphasise that Russia will consistently build up its gas liquefying capacities so as to occupy a befitting niche in this market. It would be no exaggeration to say that there are enormous, colossal prospects here. This includes the growth of exports and the use of LNG for fuelling and bunkering operations in the Baltic and other areas. We know well that new international rules aimed at countering the pollution of seas by marine vessels will come in force in 2020. This opens up very good prospects for us.
And, of course, the absolute priority for us is the widespread use of LNG as an engine fuel that is eco-friendly and cost effective at home for supplying remote regions with gas, as well as for the needs of transport, housing and utilities, and more. I hope that federal agencies, regions and domestic businesses will play a very active role in these efforts. They are all represented by our three colleagues here.
In conclusion I would like to thank everyone and congratulate all of you on today’s event – all those who worked to make it happen. I hope that the number of such high-tech production lines in our industry as at Cryogas-Vysotsk will continue to grow.
Naturally, I wish you success and new achievements. Thank you very much.
Go ahead, please.
Chairman of the Management Board of NOVATEK Leonid Mikhelson: Thank you very much!
Mr President, in cooperation with Gazprombank, NOVATEK built the first stage of the complex to produce 660,000 tonnes of LNG per year. We are ready for the first official shipment. Allow me to show you a small clip on the project.
Vladimir Putin: Go ahead, please.
(Shows video clip.)
Thank you.
Leonid Mikhelson: The volume of investment in this complex exceeded 57 billion rubles. We attracted only Russian contractors and many Russian equipment manufacturers. Localisation for the first stage was 65–70 percent. Importantly, this is the first time that we, including REP Holding, managed to source refrigerant compressor production here in Russia. As you mentioned, the second stage will reach a capacity of over 1,100,000 tonnes, and I think this stage will include about 90–95 percent localisation.
The production of this complex is oriented towards the Baltic region. It will primarily supply the bunkering and fuelling of ships, fuel for motor transport and gas for residential consumers that are too far from the gas distribution system.
Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprombank Andrei Akimov: Mr President, the launching of this plant in Vysotsk is another impressive testament to the fact that despite everything, the Russian economy in making steady headway and that Russian companies can carry out large-scale, high-tech, and important projects.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko: Mr President, this is the second major project that we are carrying out in cooperation with NOVATEK and other partners in the Leningrad Region. The first project was implemented in Ust-Luga. The most important point is that considering the Leningrad Region’s newly adopted law on transport tax reductions for vehicles that convert to NGV (natural gas vehicle fuel), we are starting a new programme – a step-by-step conversion of road and city equipment, and public transport to LNG, to natural-gas vehicle fuel.
Leonid Mikhelson: Mr President, the plant is ready to start loading. Will you allow me to start the loading process?
Vladimir Putin: Please do.
Leonid Mikhelson: The loading has been launched.
Vladimir Putin: Colleagues,
Let me congratulate you on this occasion once again.
I am very pleased to note that the Leningrad Region is developing – now I would like to say a few words about this constituent entity – and generally achieving good results. Of course, there are still many challenges but if the regional authorities support the implementation of projects like this, and not just in energy but also in other areas, we will be moving towards the implementation of the national projects I have talked about many times and which have been duly formulated by the Government. We face a lot of work in this respect.
But of course, the development of industry, especially such important, fundamental industries as energy, plays a key role in achieving the goals that we have set for ourselves.
I would like to thank Gazprombank for its support of this project. Naturally, I am referring to the company’s management, engineers, workers and designers – all those who took part in this project. I hope this is not the last time we meet under such circumstances. I know the company has big development plans in various areas. We will support and help you. I hope you will continue working just as actively and producing results.
Thank you very much.Meeting with Council of Legislators
In the run-up to the Day of Russian Parliamentarism, Vladimir Putin met with members of the Council of Legislators. As is customary, the meeting took place at the Tavrichesky (Tauride) Palace in St Petersburg.
April 24, 2019
17:00
St Petersburg
Vladimir Putin met with members of the Council of Legislators.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,
As is customary, we are holding this meeting at the Tavrichesky Palace, where Russia’s first State Duma convened. To begin with, I would like to congratulate you and your colleagues from the federal, regional and local legislatures on the occasion of the upcoming commemorative and festive date, the Day of Russian Parliamentarism. As most of you are well aware, the first State Duma convened on April 27 (or May 10), 1906.
I am aware that yesterday and today the Council of Legislators did some meaningful work, holding a substantive discussion on the goals set in the May Executive Order and in the Address to the Federal Assembly. I believe such approaches and work are critically important and effective. Essentially, this is a matter of regularly reviewing the legislative agenda to see how it stacks up with Russia’s socioeconomic development priorities, including specific national programmes, with the involvement of the Government, the Accounts Chamber, the regions and the development institutions.
I expect the Council of Legislators to build its future work in the same way – professionally and with a focus on the specific issues which concern our citizens and are important for the development of the country and, of course, to fully take into account the position and initiatives of the regions and local authorities.
The regions will do the bulk of the work to implement national projects and many other programmes (I have already mentioned this many times, and you know all about it). National goals are achieved here, on the ground. The overall picture of changes by which the people judge the effectiveness of the government and the adopted laws is formed here as well.
So forget the assessments. The result is what matters for us: what can be done, what we should strive for and what we must achieve. We now have good chances to accomplish that. We have never had so many resources to achieve the goals that will allow our country to thrive.
The Council of Legislators, as you yourselves are aware, makes it possible to see any problem from a regional perspective, forecast the effect, the pros and cons of a particular legislative act for various territories of the country, to promptly adjust a particular legal regulation, and to use the best practices of regional governance and rulemaking.
In this regard, I hope that the Council of Legislators will build up its authority and professional clout, relying on its extensive seven years’ experience, and play an increasingly prominent role in the qualitative overhaul of the legal framework underlying Russia’s development. In this way it will help realise the constitutional provisions on federalism and our democratic and law-governed state.
Colleagues, generally speaking, I expect our legislators to do not only systematic and thoughtful, but also more energetic work, and to actively participate in the practical implementation of each national project, as well as to focus on the outcome in the interest of your voters and all our citizens.
Parliamentarians at all levels should strengthen feedback channels with civil society. I am aware that you are doing this already. Nevertheless, while implementing large-scale projects, we need to establish a clear understanding of how this affects practical life, and make some timely adjustments to practical work.
This is extremely important if we want to achieve a positive outcome. It is imperative to be a representative government in the full sense of the word and maintain dialogue with the people. Please be proactive in revising and modernising your ongoing legislative practice and keep up with the times.
Of course, routine procedures and the requirements of legal drafting should be strictly followed. However, this does not hinder but rather requires greater openness and transparency of the legislative process. In this regard, it is imperative to quickly introduce new digital and interactive technology and to keep the information resources of legislative bodies at all levels up to date. This will allow you to make better use of the constructive proposals by our citizens, and the people will be better positioned to more objectively evaluate our work.
When considering in legislatures particularly difficult and complex issues involving more than one sector, it makes sense to involve the expert, scientific and business communities.
For example, you cannot do without it when you are radically reforming oversight activities. I will discuss separately this extremely important, acute and delicate issue. You are aware that beginning January 1, 2021, former, generally outdated, redundant and archaic regulations in this area will become null and void. However, such a large-scale “nullification” should in no case lead to a legal void, legal vacuum or “manholes,” and thus disrupt the work of both oversight bodies and economic agents. Ultimately, this “nullification” should in no case affect the interests of our citizens.
You know how it can be in our country. On the one hand, oversight gets so tough that life becomes unbearable and businesses are stifled by the oversight. On the other hand, as soon as things loosen up, businesses, and we have seen them do so, start doing things that cause damage to consumers. Neither can be allowed. In this regard, the work of representatives is very important, very.
You need to have a good sense of what is happening in real life. You need to talk with people directly, which is more difficult for the executive authorities for a number of reasons. Once a decision is adopted, its implementation starts. Things that are happening on the ground are rather difficult to sense sometimes. However, you can do so by directly communicating with people.
I want to let the parliamentarians and ministers know, and I also want our business associations to get involved in this work. There is not much time left for “taking an inventory,” or auditing the existing regulatory acts governing this sphere. The legislative activities should be properly planned with clearly identified priorities and deadlines.
In addition, please make wider use of parliamentary oversight. I am counting on all the parties and their representatives in legislative assemblies without exception.
By the way, it would be proper to involve in this common work the non-parliamentary parties that are ready for constructive interaction in the interest of developing the country and the regions. The ability to reach agreement and compromise, to arrive at a common decision without fear of discussion or argument is the most important and integral element of parliamentary culture.
Colleagues, in closing I want to thank you and your colleagues for the good and productive work and the high-quality legislative support for the projects implemented in the interests of the citizens of our country, and the ability to make decisions that are sometimes difficult but necessary for the country.
True, and I want to say it again to the Government, the Presidential Executive Office and to you – yes, sometimes you need to make decisions that at first glance seem difficult and are unpopular. But when we explain to the people why we are making a particular decision, what we are striving to achieve, what goals we are trying to achieve when making a particular decision – and all decisions must be made in the interests of citizens in the medium term or more distant future – when we explain this to the people, the sentiment in society completely changes.
When people realise that the government does not exist by itself somewhere up in the sky, but understands what is happening and sees prospects for economic and social advancement and acts towards this end and in the interest of the people, then the voters will think differently about the decisions that you make.
Of course, I want to once again congratulate you and your colleagues, families and friends on the occasion of the upcoming Victory Day. Our duty is to properly prepare for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War next year. We can discuss this issue separately. First and foremost, of course, it is about what needs to be done additionally to support our veterans and to preserve the memory of the Great Patriotic War.
Thank you.Interview to Chinese newspaper People’s Daily
Ahead of his working visit to China, Vladimir Putin gave an interview to the Chinese newspaper People’s Daily (Renmin Ribao).
April 25, 2019
01:00
Question: In 2017 you attended the Belt and Road international forum. Could you share with us your impressions? What successes were achieved in the past two years in your opinion? And what are the areas we still have to work on? What topics are you interested in at the second forum?
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: In historical terms, the two years that have passed since the first Belt and Road international forum in Beijing are a short span of time. However, it is already clear that President Xi Jinping’s initiative is really opening up extensive opportunities for equitable partnership. Our Chinese friends take a creative approach to promoting international economic cooperation, and seek to contribute to consolidating interconnected relationships and ensuring sustainable development in the whole of Eurasia. Such a desire can only be welcomed.
Naturally, it is important for China to successfully promote this large-scale project. And all Eurasian states should stand to gain from participation in it. It should help them build up their economic potential, make them more competitive and increase their living standards. To achieve this it is necessary to take into account the interests of all partners and to promote the harmonisation of national programmes and development plans. It is necessary not only to trade but also to promote mutual investment and carry out joint infrastructure, transport, logistics and environmental projects; to encourage industrial and technological cooperation, scientific and academic exchanges, and step up people-to-people contacts.
Russia also has its own vision for the future of regional integration. Together with other member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) we are consistently searching for the optimal model of cooperation. I am referring to the plans to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership or, in other words, a broad network of regional integration associations developing in a coordinated way, based on the principles of equality, openness, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests. It is hard to overstate China’s role in this as Russia’s strategic partner. After all, the formation of Greater Eurasia essentially amounts to coupling the EAEU and the Belt and Road concept.
Question: You suggested coupling the EAEU with the Belt and Road initiative. Are you satisfied with the progress toward linking these two projects? What are your expectations in this regard?
Vladimir Putin: Indeed, in May 2015, President Xi Jinping and I agreed to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Silk Road Economic Belt. This truly historic initiative was supported by the leaders of all the EAEU member states.
On May 17, 2018, the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the EAEU and China was signed as a follow-up to this initiative. We expect this document to enter into force within the next few months, and the parties will immediately begin to implement it.
Practical cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Government of the People's Republic of China will need to be put on solid footing and made systematic. Our top priority will be to set up a Joint Commission tasked with reviewing specific initiatives to couple the EAEU with China’s Belt and Road initiative. We believe that projects in transport, energy, environment, trade, finance and the digital economy will enjoy priority.
I am confident that following the upcoming 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, in which I plan to take part, the integration processes promoted by our countries in the Eurasian space will receive another powerful boost.
Question: You have met with President Xi Jinping many times and, as leaders, have mapped out important plans to develop Russian-Chinese relations. What is the role of meetings between the leaders in promoting bilateral relations?
Vladimir Putin: You correctly noted that I regularly meet with President Xi Jinping. I value the relations of friendship and mutual respect that have developed between us, which make it possible to build on bilateral cooperation in all areas from politics and trade to military-technical and humanitarian areas.
Of course, that kind of trust-based dialogue helps more effectively coordinate the positions of Russia and China on key issues of the international and regional agenda and jointly develop responses to the most pressing challenges of our time.
As I noted earlier, our next meeting will take place in Beijing quite soon. We will talk not only during the Belt and Road Forum, which I already mentioned, but will also hold talks as part of the bilateral meeting of the leaders of Russia and China. And we look forward to President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia this year.
Question: This year we mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. What do you think about the level of our relations and the potential for their further development?
Vladimir Putin: It would be no exaggeration to say that our countries have approached this anniversary with relations the best they have been in their entire history. This is the result of meticulous and successful work over the past thirty years. Russia and China have fully normalised bilateral ties and raised them to the level of strategic partnership. They have resolved all sensitive issues, including the border one.
The further deepening of cooperation between the two states promises to be sustainable and long-term, because it is not opportunistic. This is entirely in the interests of our peoples and the tasks of maintaining international and regional security and stability.
The political dialogue between Russia and China is based on mutual trust and respect, and the fact that we always take each other’s approaches and positions into consideration. We have developed contacts at all levels – from the very top to the expert level. Our parliaments, public organisations and, of course, business communities are actively engaged in our common efforts.
Our military and military-technical cooperation points to the high level of trust. Russia and China hold regular joint exercises and share our accumulated experience in military development. Our cooperation on security and combatting terrorism and organised crime is making rapid headway.
We have managed to substantially increase our mutual trade. In 2018 it exceeded a record $100 billion. We are making consistent progress in investment, financial, energy and high-tech cooperation.
Importantly, ties between the regions of Russia and China are expanding. The current cross years of interregional cooperation will give an additional boost to these efforts.
We are paying significant attention to expanding people-to-people exchanges. Many projects have been carried out under the cross years. And, of course, “people’s diplomacy,” direct contacts between our citizens, young people, play a big role in strengthening the foundation of bilateral relations.
I am convinced that the potential of the Russia-China partnership is truly inexhaustible. Naturally, the forthcoming celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations will further reveal this potential and deepen our friendly, mutually beneficial dialogue in all areas.
Question: China and Russia are two major modern powers. In what way, do you think, can Beijing and Moscow do more to exert a positive influence in order to overcome acute international challenges and maintain an equitable and fair world order?
Vladimir Putin: Russia-China foreign policy interaction is an important stabilising factor in international affairs, all the more so as our countries have overlapping or very close positions on the key issues of our time.
Unfortunately, some Western countries are claiming sole global leadership. They carelessly trample on the norms and principles of international law, resort to blackmail, sanctions and pressure, and try to force their values and dubious ideals on entire countries and populations.
We are categorically opposed to such approaches. In order to improve the international situation and to form a more equitable and democratic global architecture, we will continue to closely coordinate Russia and China’s steps on important global and regional issues, and productively cooperate at leading multilateral venues such as the UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and APEC. At the same time, we remain open to cooperation and joint work with like-minded people, including everyone who is interested in promoting state-to-state communication on the unshakable foundation of the UN Charter and international law.
Question: The greatest number of tourists come to Russia from China. In addition to Moscow and St Petersburg, what other interesting destinations would you recommend that Chinese tourists see?
Vladimir Putin: Indeed, Chinese tourists are clearly in the lead among foreign tourists coming to Russia. Over the past five years, their number has almost doubled, increasing by 93 percent. Last year alone, about 1,700,000 Chinese tourists visited our country. It is our sincere pleasure to have them as guests.
Moscow and St Petersburg remain Chinese tourists’ favourite destinations. However, they want to see other Russian regions as well, including the famous Golden Ring in central Russia, the Urals and Siberia, the Russian Far East and the Caucasus. For example, more and more guests from China are going to Sochi, which, following the successful 2014 Winter Olympics, now boasts high-quality resort and sports infrastructure.
Russia is home to 29 sites included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. This number puts Russia in the top 10 countries in the world. These sites include the cultural and historical ensembles of Novgorod, Sergiyev Posad, Kazan, Yaroslavl, Derbent, the white stone temples of Vladimir and Suzdal, Sviyazhsk, Kizhi Pogost, the Solovki historical and cultural complex and other works by our architects.
Nature has generously endowed Russia with gems such as the world’s deepest and cleanest lake, Baikal, the volcanoes and geysers of Kamchatka, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the forests of the Komi Republic, the Curonian Spit, Central Sikhote-Alin, the nature of Wrangel Island, the Lena River Pillars and the Putorana Plateau.
Visiting memorable sites connected with the history of the revolutionary movement and the lives of Soviet party and state leaders is another area of interest for Chinese tourists.
A region unlike any other, Crimea deserves special mention. In recent years, the tourism industry has been rapidly expanding on the peninsula. Extensive infrastructure is being created and new modern hotels and resorts are being built. All this, combined with the unfailing cordiality and hospitality of the locals, creates excellent opportunities for exciting and rewarding trips.
I will say it again for emphasis: we have plenty of places to see and enjoy, and I want to say once again to all our guests from the friendly nation of China – welcome to Russia!
