The first question touched upon the topic of energy cooperation between Russia and China. Earlier, NOVATEK's Chinese partners suspended participation in the Arctic LNG-2 project.
"How do you comment on this?," The question was asked.
Maria Zakharova said that cooperation in the energy sector is one of the most important components of bilateral relations between Russia and China. Relations are of the nature of comprehensive interaction and strategic partnership.
In recent years, thanks to joint efforts, a number of projects in the energy sector have been implemented. In particular, projects in the field of liquefied natural gas at the Yamal-LNG and Arctic-LNG-2 plants have been implemented with the participation of partners from the PRC.
A number of Western countries seek, through the application of illegitimate unilateral restrictions, to place the strengthening and development of the energy partnership between the Russian Federation and the PRC, to achieve unfair advantages for themselves by non-market methods.
The Russian Foreign Ministry considers such actions categorically unacceptable, especially in relation to such large international civil projects as Arctic-LNG-2, which affects the energy balance of many states.
The Russian Federation is convinced that the Russian-Chinese strategic interaction in the energy sector will continue to develop progressively and strengthen.
The situation around Arctic-LNG-2 once again confirms the destructive role of Washington for global energy security, which only speaks in words about the importance of this area, but in fact pursues its own interests, tries to oust competitors and destroys world energy security.
Such steps only lead to a complication of supply chains and an increase in the cost of energy resources for the end consumer, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry summarized.
Another issue raised the topic of Finland's accession to NATO. The country's membership provides the North Atlantic Alliance with control over both shores of the Gulf of Finland and poses a threat to Russian bases in Severomorsk.
"How, in your opinion, does this affect the prospects for the resumption of dialogue with the United States on strategic stability? Elizabeth Rud, Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Russia, announced her readiness for such a dialogue a month ago, "the journalist asked
Maria Zakharova recalled that President Vladimir Putin gave a comment on all elements of the question of the journalists of our publication. The diplomat is ready to quote his speech in the text of the briefing, but the diplomat has nothing to add meaningfully to the statement of the head of state.