U.S. companies seem keen on investing in Russia's Arctic region, including LNG - Dmitriev

MURMANSK. March 27 (Interfax) - Companies in the United States are showing their interest in investing in the Russian Arctic region, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and in the case of such investments, Russia should retain control, Russian Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev said on Thursday.

"It is very important that we really see our Arctic region as being one such place for joint development for many countries. Of course, it makes sense to combine efforts, including on the climate agenda, the investment agenda, the energy agenda. And we really see a possibility of cooperation, including with the U.S., on a number of Arctic projects. We are seeing a U.S. interest in a number of Russian technologies, including in the LNG sphere. We are seeing U.S. companies' desire to invest in various Arctic projects. But of course, it is very important here for any such investment to remain under Russia's full control," Dmitriev told journalists on the sidelines of the International Arctic forum.

The Arctic region contains 13% of the world's untapped oil reserves and 30% of its untapped gas reserves. "Russia will certainly play a key role in the development of these resources, but international partners, including U.S. ones, can also be invited [to hold] minority stakes," Dmitriev said.