Platts: Stable Russia ties, new suppliers key to EU energy security

Stable energy ties with Russia and attracting new suppliers are key to European energy security, Jean-Francois Cirelli, President of GDF Suez, said Thursday, stressing commitment to efficient relations with Russian gas giant Gazprom amid political tensions between Russia and the EU.

"Continuing to foster current supply relations with Russia as well as attracting new suppliers to the EU market should be an important element to EU energy policy," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Cirelli called 40-year cooperation with Russia's Gazprom efficient but added "it is essential that commercial obligations are met today and tomorrow."
His comments come the day after Gazprom signed a huge 30-year gas supply deal with China as the Russian gas giant looks to diversify its customer base.

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