Siemens, Gazprom discuss energy ties

MOSCOW, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Russia and Germany contribute to regional energy security and environmental protection through their commercial interests, the Russian prime minister said.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin welcomed Peter Loscher, the president and board chairman of German engineering conglomerate Siemens AG, to Moscow to discuss energy matters.

The Russian premier linked the technological capabilities of Siemens to a sustainable relationship that would contribute to an environmentally friendly energy sector.

"I believe that German and Russian partners should make a substantial contribution to the international community's environmental protection efforts," he said.

Loscher met separately with Alexei Miller, the chairman of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom, to discuss progress under a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2003.

Both parties discussed the prospects of developing energy service infrastructure and production technologies for liquefied natural gas.

Gazprom and Siemens have worked bilaterally since 1993. Work includes gas treatment plants and oil and gas field development technology.