Russia leads in supplying oil and gas to China, calls for joint use of opportunities along NSR - PM Mishustin

MOSCOW. Aug 21 (Interfax) - Russia calls on China to use the logistics capabilities of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) jointly, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.

"Russia has the leading position in oil exports to China. We will soon take first place in natural gas. Coal supplies are at a good level. Collaboration in the 'peaceful' atom is progressing. We are discussing the terms and conditions of new, large-scale initiatives," Mishustin said at the meeting.

Mishustin also said that the parties are actively developing industrial collaboration, and there are joint projects in the aircraft and automobile industries, mining and gas chemical industries, and metallurgy.

"We need to continue building reliable transport and logistics corridors in order to increase economic cooperation further, jointly exploiting the capabilities of the Northern Sea Route," Mishustin said.

"We are creating a special sub-commission to develop this global highway," he said.

Russia supplied 7.46 million tonnes of oil to China in July versus 8.43 million tonnes in June.

Li Qiang also spoke about growth in energy collaboration between the two countries, as well as trade and investment cooperation.

"Collaboration is developing dynamically in the areas of transport, science and technology, space, and aviation. Close humanitarian exchanges are maintained," Li Qiang said.

Li Qiang expressed confidence in the further extension of cooperation between Russia and China.