At the talks with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende who is on a state visit to Russia, Vladimir Putin noted that the Netherlands are Russia’s second largest trade and economic partner after the Federal Republic of Germany.
Cooperation between the two countries is developing in energy, machine construction, the high-tech sector, energy-saving technology, culture, science and education.
Vladimir Putin highly praised the Comprehensive Agreement between Gazprom and Gazunie that was signed following the talks. The Agreement provides that both companies will participate in the Northern Stream and BBL (Balgzand Bacton Line) pipeline projects.