Russia satisfied with fuel shipments to China, will report if visit yields new agreements - Novak

KRASNOYARSK. May 19 (Interfax) - Russia is satisfied with its current partnership with China in the field of fuel exports, and could announce new projects if they are discussed during President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists.

"We are satisfied with the partnership which we are developing with China in the field of oil and gas exports. If new projects are discussed [during the Russian president's visit to China], we will report on this following the trip," Novak said.

He said that energy was always on the discussion agenda between the two countries, as it makes up a significant share of their trade and economic relationship.

"We will discuss the current status and implementation of the agreements reached last time," Novak said.

President Vladimir Putin will conduct an official visit to China on May 19-20 by invitation of Xi Jinping. Ahead of the trip, Putin said that the countries were preparing to make a serious step forwards in their oil and gas partnership. "I won't rush ahead in these matters. I can see, as my colleagues have reported to me, that practically all the key matters have been agreed on. If they can be finalized and put to bed during the visit, I will be very glad," he said in response to questions from Russian journalists on May 9.

Russia is the leading exporter of fuel to China, to which it supplied 101 million tonnes of oil and 49 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas in 2025, both via gas pipelines and in the form of liquefied natural gas.