HC Deb 04 July 2003 vol 408 cc525-6W
Mr. Flight

To ask the Prime Minister whether he sought advice concerning the signing ceremony of the joint venture between BP and the Russian oil company TNK; on what basis he has included the signing ceremony in the schedule of events during President Putin's state visit; and what representations he received from BP relating to the signing ceremony. [121940]

The Prime Minister

A state visit aims to strengthen the relationship between nations. President Putin and I welcomed the opportunity on 26 June to recognise the importance of the energy sector to our relationship by opening a major joint event "Russia-UK Energy: Long Term Partners".

Such occasions provide opportunities to mark significant commercial developments, to the benefit of UK companies and to the benefit of the nation. Following advice from the Department of Trade and Industry, and with the support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I agreed that President Putin and I should be present at the signing of an agreement between BP and Alfa Group and Access-Renova (AAR) in the margins of the conference. My office discussed the practical arrangements with the two main sponsors of the event, Shell and BP.