Russia is ready to expand its cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the gas industry and consider liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to the Gulf kingdom, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. © AP Photo/ Koji Sasahara
Russia is ready to expand its cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the gas industry and consider liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to the Gulf kingdom, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. © AP Photo/ Koji Sasahara

The minister kept open the possibility of bilateral talks in mid-December on the subject of plummeting oil prices. Riyadh, one of the largest oil producers and OPEC founding member, has kept oil supplies unchanged since December 2014.

“In principle, Russia as a leading country in the gas market is ready to expand cooperation and ensure the supply of liquefied natural gas,” Novak said, referring the matter to discussions between individual companies.

Speaking at a press conference after an intergovernmental session, Novak highlighted the LNG as a priority area of Russian economic development.

“And if Saudi Arabia needs it, we are ready to conduct commercial arrangements with them,” he stressed.